About this property
For those that prefer chic and contemporary to cosy farmhouse living, Villa Clarac is an excellent bet. This stylish, designer villa comes with four minimalist bedrooms, fantastic open-plan living and a wonderful garden. It is perfect for families or groups of friends wanting to explore the magical Luberon Natural Park and its captivating villages and towns.
Villa Clarac is set in open countryside on a hilltop in the park with stunning views over the surrounding landscapes and the village of Cadenet. Cadenet is a charming village with a vibrant main square, fountains, washhouses, its 14th-century Church Saint-Etienne, and an array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are many lovely villages in the area, including Lourmarin, Ansouis, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Goult and Gordes, and you really shouldn’t miss Aix-en-Provence.
Villa Clarac enjoys a contemporary architectural style making good use of glass to maximise the natural light flooding into its chic spaces and to increase the sense of space. The villa sits in an extensive garden with a large terrace for alfresco dining and lounging, a beautiful swimming pool and contemporary sail canopies for shade. The living area enjoys a fabulous double-height aspect making this space feel magnificently cavernous. A sumptuous modern sofa and chairs sit near the trendy woodburning fire enjoying garden and pool views, while a modern dining table and chairs sit on the other side of the room with similar views. A satellite LCD television, DVD player and sound system with an iPod dock are provided for your entertainment. A sleek galley kitchen offers all the appliances you need for your self-catering break, together with a small breakfast table and stools so that guests can keep the chef company. Two of the villa’s bedrooms are also on the ground floor, one a twin and the other a double. They share an immaculate family bathroom.
An open-tread staircase takes you upstairs to the remaining two bedrooms. On the mezzanine landing level, there is a long study level, perfect if you need to catch up on some emails quietly. The main bedroom boasts a kingsize bed, wonderful views over the village and lush countryside and a bathroom. The other double bedroom also enjoys village and Provencal countryside views and an ensuite shower room. There is also a handy, fully equipped laundry room on this level.
Outside you will find a lovely swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, a huge garden sprinkled with olive trees, shrubs and pine trees, a large terrace for alfresco dining shaded by a contemporary canopy, a barbecue and lots of colourful plant pots. You will easily relax and unwind in this heavenly spot, immersing yourself in the gentle Provencal ambience.
Villa Clarac boasts a lovely countryside location overlooking the delightful village of Cadenet. You can visit the tourist office in the main square to start your adventures in this wonderful area. The village enjoys wonderful bars and restaurants and a good range of shops. In the main square, you will discover a bronze statue of Andre Estienne, the drummer of Arcole who was born in Cadenet and became a drummer in Napoleon's army. He was greatly honoured by Napoleon after an inventive feat that forced the enemy to retreat. Since the 11th century, there was a castle on the hill above the town though it was dismantled on the orders of Lous XIV in the 17th century and then burned following the revolution. It is a fabulous picnic spot with magical views where events take place in the summer.
The nearby village of Bonnieux is an Instagram-worthy Provençal gem full of beautifully preserved buildings and delightful restaurants, cafes and shops. With west-facing views over the valley, it is gorgeous. You will be mesmerised by the patchwork of orchards and vineyards towards the equally picturesque village of Lacoste across the Vaucluse plateau. A 12th-century church, now out of use, sits at the top of the village, and a much newer one with painted scenes of the Passion of Christ sits near the bottom. Surrounded by towering cedars, you will enjoy stunning views of Monts de Vaucluse, Mont Ventoux and Lacoste, Gordes and Roussillon. In the summer, there are some classical music concerts that take place in this atmospheric setting. Just a little further away, the village of Goult is peaceful and beautifully preserved, yet not so well known. It isn't visible from afar like its photogenic cousins, but it is definitely worth a visit. You can park in the main square, enjoy refreshments at the cafe or evening drinks and visit the Thursday market during the warm summer months.
The village of Gordes is a must-visit. Gordes' Tuesday morning market is a perfect place to pick up local produce and a few souvenirs. Gordes boasts pretty narrow alleyways sprinkled with charming restaurants, cafes, a bakery and food shops. On the Luberon plain, the village also enjoys superb views. Gordes is dominated by its wonderful church and castle. During World War II, Gordes was mostly destroyed, and the villagers were massacred. It also enjoys a fascinating history dating back to the Vordeuses, who named it Vorda. Below Gordes, you can make a magical underground discovery. The hidden treasure of the Caves du Palais Saint Firmin is just a five-minute walk from the castle. The cellars would have been used in the Middle Ages to house craft activities, and it is still possible to see an old oil mill, cisterns, and pipes dug into the rock. A small underground city can be explored with its carved pillars, stone staircases and beautiful vaulted ceilings.
The classy city of Aix-en-Provence is a pocket of Left Bank Parisian chic with wide leafy boulevards, glamorous shops, grand avenues, huge public squares sprinkled with 17th and 18th-century mansions and an air of refined elegance and Baroque splendour. With a fascinating history, noble heritage, beautiful architecture and a long list of fountains, it shouldn't be missed from your itinerary.
Accommodation
Villa Interiors
Ground Floor
- Open-plan living and dining room with open fireplace, long dining table, LCD Satellite TV, high ceilings, and full-length sliding doors with access to the garden
- Fully-equipped kitchen with sliding door access to the garden and pool
- Bedroom with double bed (140 x 200 cm) with sliding door access to the garden
- Bedroom with twin beds (90 x 200 cm)
- Bathroom with separate WC
First Floor
- Mezzanine landing with study area*
- Master bedroom with double bed (160 x 200 cm) with views of village and countryside
- Separate shower room with walk-in shower
- Bedroom with double bed (140 x 200 cm) with views of village and countryside, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Separate shared WC
- Laundry room
*Please note that this mezzanine level has low walls, so children should be supervised at all times*
Outside Grounds
- Private pool (Size: 9 x 8 m, Depth: 1.1 - 2.2 m) with Roman steps and surrounding sun loungers
- 2000 m2 enclosed garden surrounding the property
- Large covered terrace with canopy, barbecue, and outdoor dining table and chairs
- Shaded parking spaces for four vehicles
Facilities
- Wi-Fi connection
- Air conditioning (in bedrooms)
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Iron & board
- Cot & highchair
- DVD player
- Stereo system with iPod dock