A beautifully restored farmhouse offering 4 double bedrooms, luxury accommodation in the heart of Provence and close to the Cote D’Azur, "Li Sian Ben" sits prettily in a valley overlooking vineyards just outside the charming market town of Cotignac. The house offers a great sense of tranquility, overlooked by no one. It is a perfect house for a family, 4 x couples or 2 families to share.
INTERIOR:
The state-of-the-art Chalon kitchen is the focal point and very heart of the house where rooms and terraces branch off in all directions.
IN essence there are 2 areas of the house, the original 'provencal' side with all its charm and the newly created 'barn' side with its mix of traditional and modern design. The house is all connected via the kitchen, the house has a lovely flow and we are delighted with how one room naturally leads to another.
The new 'barn' area comprises of the large, panelled, drawing room with a smart TV and a state of the art underfloor heating/cooling system, A wooden lined, double bedroom (160cm bed) with double French doors and fitted wardrobes. The bedroom leads into a very cool bathroom with double sinks on an antique dresser, shower and toilet. There is also a utility room on this floor providing washing machine and tumble dryer.
The stairs in the barn area leads to a large attic room, a round window looks over the summer kitchen, terrace and swimming pool. This room has height restrictions but a wonderful sense of adventure. A perfect overflow for children
In the original provencal part of the house there is the kitchen, charming dining room with a wood-burning stove, beautiful, round, oak, dining table and views to the front of the property. Beyond this is a cosy snug room/study with dual aspect and a selection of games. This floor also has a brand newly renovated master suite comprising double bedroom, dressing room and en-suite bathroom with bathtub and large separate shower.
This side of the house has a traditional provencal staircase that branches off to the left and right, both directions lead to a 'Jack and Jill style' double bedroom, these rooms have stunning views across the vines, one room has a balcony with sofa and chairs which provides a lovely private area to sit back and relax, taking in the views and tranquil ambiance of the entire valley.
EXTERIOR
The outside of the property is full of gems and is a visual delight, there are several different and varied areas to dine, entertain, play boule and of course relax.
To the rear of the property there is a very pretty stone courtyard, where vines provide the shade over the round dining table and chairs. This then leads to the pool area where there is a wonderful 10m x 5m (plus shallow entrance) salt water swimming pool featuring a stone wall on one side which houses a 3-copper-spout-water-feature. At the shallow end of the pool there is a new summer kitchen with fridge/freezer, bbq and sink. The kitchen then extends onto a cool terrace with sofas where you can chill out and there are sails and trees providing the shade. (NEW PHOTOS TO FOLLOW SOON).
There are sunbeds and umbrellas around the pool and we have a fantastic day bed with thatched roof at the far end of the pool,
The entire pool area is enclosed with iron fencing and child proof gates.
To the front of the property we have a large, covered terrace that wraps around the house, there is a 3m long dining table and chairs and a stunning view over-looking the vineyards (owned by the house).
In front of the terrace is "The Gloriette pergola", this has been planted with vines (edible grape variety), Jasmin and climbing roses, all creating another favourite spot to while away the day whether it's enjoying coffee & pastries in the morning, aperitifs at sunset or idle chit chat well into the night.
The far end of the house provides a further lounging area with an outdoor sofa and coffee table, this area is underneath the balcony.
As the name suggests, Li Sian Ben, is a very special place to be.
COTIGNAC:
The town of Cotignac is a stunningly beautiful town which provides a wealth of colour, culture and has a very special charm. The main Cours Gambetta is lined with Plane trees whilst the magnificent cliffs look down over the town. Caves have been cut into the cliffs which used to provide homes and shelter for the troglodytes for hundreds of years, you can walk up to visit the caves.
There is a wonderful year round market on Tuesdays where you can buy all your favourite traditional provencal fare, including foods, clothes, table linens, soaps, baskets, olive wood, honey etc.
Of course the area is well known for producing a lovely clear rose wine, the smell of which is in the air, there are plenty of vineyards in the area and some also attend the market.
After spending the morning at the market why not stay and enjoy lunch in town at one of the many al fresco bars, cafes or restaurants.
The old town is made up of pretty winding streets, stone houses with wonderfully painted shutters, there are several beautiful water fountains throughout the town and Cotignac even has its own stunning waterfall where swimmers enjoy the basin.
There are plenty of shops as well as well as the market, selling lots of fresh produce including 3 boulangeries, butcher, fish monger, art galleries, antiques, homewares, a pharmacy and many others.
Activities in the area:
Cotignac is an ideal location to explore a large variety of nearby attractions:
St Tropez, Cannes, Aix-en-provence are all within easy reach.
The stunning Gorge du Verdon in close by where you can kayak, rent pedalos or electric boats to travel down the gorge to see the amazing topography.
There are several fantastic vineyards in the area worth a visit
The Lac St Croix has stunning blue waters, again you can rent pedalos, sail boats and paddle boards
Kayaking on the nearby river - New Evasion
Visit Villecroze
Local markets
The entire area is perfect cycling country either directly from the house through valleys and valleys of vines or up the local mountain Bessillon.
Through ‘click&boat’ its easy to charter a yacht or large boat for a day or overnight to explore the coastline.There are many amazing beach clubs such as the iconic Club55 along plage Pamplone near St.Tropez.
Kitchen provides:
Fridge/freezer
+ fridge drawers
coffee machine
large oven with gas hob
dishwasher
Utility room provides:
washing machine
tumble dryer
