Convivial entrepreneur JeanPhilippe and beautiful art connoisseur Marie met in Switzerland, and decided to combine their prodigious talents to create their perfect home and an intimate guesthouse. After extensive research throughout Provence they realised the first place they saw was the one which ticked all the boxes. A former 19th-century hunting lodge turned private home, La Bastide des Grands Chênes has a handsome classical exterior, a big inviting front door and well-proportioned rooms set in 8000 m2 of gracious gardens and woods. While the previous owners had constructed a superb swimming pool complete with a lily pond and shaded by trees, the rest of the property needed work. A lot of work.
Two years later, the transformation was complete. Natural materials throughout from sisal to brass, pottery to linen give texture and warmth. Colours are earthy and understated; statement lighting and a fascinating mix of artworks add layers of interest. There are five gorgeous bedrooms, not a dud amongst them, all with kingsize beds and views across the grounds. They added a garden-facing terrace hung with Moroccan lamps and adorned with oversize pots for breakfasting at leisure. Venture forth to see a myriad of sights from Aix to Avignon, discover the bucolic countryside and explore the Alpilles Regional Nature Park; return to this supremely cosseting and romantic haven.
Highs
- Stunning interiors throughout, from vintage finds to the textured tiles in the bathrooms; this is a high quality renovation
- Delightful, friendly owners who can't do enough for you
- Excellent breakfasts featuring local and artisanal produce and products
- Beautiful secluded lagoon-style swimming pool with sloping sides, loungers and a lovely Moroccan-styled pool bar
- Handy location between Aix, Avignon, Marseilles and the Luberon, close to beautiful villages and the Alpilles Regional Park
Lows
- No kids under 16 and no pets permitted; this is a couples' retreat
- JeanPhilippe and Marie live here, yet there's plenty of space for all and you can be as private as you wish
- Only breakfast is served; JeanPhilippe and Marie can advise on local eateries, wineries and restaurants
- You'll have to drive to sights – there are plenty but none on the doorstep
- In keeping with this being a home you're invited into, there's a no shoes policy indoors, which we really liked
Best time to go
Provence is a delight from spring (dappled sunshine and blooms), to autumn (autumn colours and harvest bounty); although it can get very warm in the summer months. La Bastide des Grands Chenes is closed October to Easter.
Our top tips
This corner of France sees competing claims for the most beautiful village in the land. In contention are Les Baux-de-Provence with its castle and the immersive Carrieres de Lumieres experience in a limestone quarry. Or the pretty perched villages Roussillon, Gorde, Saignon and Ansouis in the Luberon. Lacoste made famous by the Marquis de Sade, or Lourmarin with its narrow café-lined streets. Visit them all to choose your favourite, ideally on market day – there's a colourful market every morning of the week.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Cannot rate La Bastide des Grands Chenes more highly. From first arrival, we were warmly greeted by Mary & John, and shown around the room, house, gardens and pool/terrace area. The house is beautifully furnished and Mary’s passion for interior design is obvious yet it feels incredibly homely and welcoming. The bedroom has everything you need including a supremely comfortable bed and great shower room ( some rooms have baths too) . Our views over the garden and pool were fabulous to wake up to. Breakfast was served outdoors when the weather was warm (the whole time we were there) and was a lovely selection of fresh fruit, cheese, meats, pastries & yoghurt. Plus great coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Perfect start before heading off to explore the area . Lourmarin, 30 minutes drive away, is a must. Afternoon's were spent lazing by the pool. On an evening , the terrace kitchen is great for preparing light meals and the terrace is a great spot to kick back with a bottle of provençal rose and relax . If you’re heading out for a meal Mary & John have lots of recommendations and we also loved Bacheto in Lourmarin. Everything about this place exudes quality and thought. I cannot thank Mary & John enough for a superb stay.
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