When Picasso escaped from the cares of life with his beloved, he chose Ménerbes—the hilltop village that inspired Peter Mayle’s "A Year in Provence." Feel instantly comfortable in a stylish property decorated with care and taste—and just a touch of whimsy. Multiple terraces for meals, relaxing, reading, or lounging by the pool. Wherever your eyes land, there's beauty—mountains, forests, and the medieval village of Ménerbes, which rises on a twin hill.
Perched on the top of Ménerbes with expansive views in all directions, this exceptional house has its own private garden with three levels. The first level adjoins the house and has a sitting area in front of a fountain, as well as a large, oval dining table on the right and a smaller table and seating area on the left. Down a few steps to the second level, and there are two more dining tables, which give guests the option of dining under a giant pine tree. Down a couple more steps, and you can walk on a pebbled path through the garden to a decorative gazebo, and hidden behind, is the laundry line which is utterly heaven for drying clothes in the lavender-scented breeze under the sunny Provençal skies.
When you walk into the house, there is an office niche on the left with desk and chair, and half bathroom. Carry on and you enter the living room, with its unique collection of antiques and sculptures made by a famous Provençal sculptor, and an eclectic collection of paintings, Buddhas, and amusing objects. There is a large, comfy sofa; a "chaise long" for lounging, comfortable chairs, stone fireplace, and TV hidden by a sliding mirror. At the other end of the room is a gate-leg dining table with art nouveau chairs and a 19th-century candelabra in the center. The table sits just in front of the zinc bar, which has two bistro stools. It separates the dining room from the fully equipped kitchen, with oven, gas range, microwave, kettle, and small TV, among other appliances. On the opposite side of the living room, there is a separate sitting room with two daybeds and French doors opening onto the garden.
Go back towards the front door and up the stairs to the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and double window looking out at nature. There is also the second bedroom with ensuite bath, and a washer and dryer. A small child's room with a bed, with sliding door for privacy, is part of the second bedroom, as is a small terrace with table and two chairs, with steps leading directly down to the pool, which can also be easily accessed from the front door.
Around the pool are sun loungers, in both full sun and under a canopy. A large dining area with a beautiful mosaic dining table (handcrafted by a local artist) sits under the branches of an oak tree.
The two-story tower-a former dovecote-adjoins the
dining area. It is officially located on the highest point in
Ménerbes and sports a panoramic view from the bed by
day, and moonbeams (if you keep your curtains open!) by
night. Like other areas of the property, it features views of
the Luberon mountain range, the slopes covered in oak,
and the medieval, village of Ménerbes. In the distance are
the villages of Goult, Roussillon, Gordes and Mount
Venteux.
The first floor of the former dovecote is a miniature
casbah, tented in luxurious fabric on a traditional Provençal
floor. There is a vintage sofa, perfect for relaxing, and a bar
which guards the amenities-espresso machine, toaster
oven, electric kettle, fridge, sink, and French Provençal
dishes. A full bathroom is tucked away beneath the
outdoor staircase leading up to the bedroom.
Next to the private tower garden is the outdoor summer
kitchen, including a gas range, oven, fridge and a Webber.
All the bedrooms and indoor common areas have AC and heating. The guests will have access to the entire hilltop property, including the main house , (including the tower if added), and pool, with multiple terraces and gardens.
The property is located at the far end of Ménerbes. When you descend the stone staircase to the street, turn left for a 3.5 kilometer walk through the forest, past vineyards, and look-out points, to the other end of village... or go in the other direction, and you'll be in the center of town in five minutes! Restaurants, cafes, art centers, galleries, and shops—and a small grocery store, bakery, post office, and pharmacy—are all nearby. Wineries, markets, museums, and historic sites are a short drive away.
