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REVES D’AZUR

Rêves d’Azur, recently constructed near the village of Peymeinade, some six kilometers from the town of Grasse, is set on nearly an acre of land bordered by an olive grove. The Provençal-style villa is situated within a private, gated community, or domaine, and has beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained grounds from which there are panoramic views of the peaceful Collines du Tanneron, a range of the Alpes-Maritimes that marches from the coast north toward Switzerland and Italy. The hills are a part of the Route d’Or, so named because of the mimosa trees that flourish in the region. The mimosas bloom in February, casting a golden glow over the hills and signaling to local residents that spring is indeed on its way.

For cars there is a wide gravel parking area in front of the villa. The main entrance to the house is through two French doors that open into the spacious kitchen. To say this a fully-equipped kitchen is an understatement: whether an experienced cuisinière or an amateur attempting to prepare French cuisine for the first time, guests will be delighted to find a large American two-door refrigerator, a four-burner gas stove and oven, microwave, washing machine and separate dryer, coffeemaker, electric teapot and a complete range of cooking utensils. White tile counters and backsplashes with attractive hand painted tiles mix with the blue-and-yellow cabinets and the terra cotta floors to create an atmosphere that is as pleasing visually as it is from a culinary point of view. A large butcher block provides a convenient workspace.

Glass-paned doors open to the dining room, where meals can be enjoyed on a beautiful antique Provençal farm table with seating for up to six people. There is a matching china cupboard filled with glasses, silverware and Provençal-style dishes.

The dining room is open-plan with the living room, and the décor here and throughout the house is country French. There are hand-loomed rugs, Provençal antiques and fine artwork, and all the floors are terra cotta tile. A blue sofa and two wood armchairs with pretty floral cushions are grouped around a coffee table. Two sets of French doors open to the main terrace and allow voluminous light into the room. Modern floor lamps and fixtures throughout the large, open room contribute a modern touch to the country atmosphere. A powder room, attractively tiled in a red and white pattern, is located in the foyer.

French doors open from the dining room to the covered part of the terrace, where there is a tiled table and wicker chairs for outside dining. The table may be moved to the open part of the terrace and shaded with a parasol for lunching al fresco, perhaps after grilling some fresh fish on the barbecue. For relaxing by the beautiful swimming pool (10M X 5M, 33’ X 16.5’) there are several chaises longues. The more active members of the family may practice a favorite French pastime by playing a game of boules on the pétanque court, which is near the kitchen.

The master bedroom, on the ground floor, has a queen-sized bed, Provençal antique night tables, Moroccan rugs, and original artwork. The room, approximately 3.6M X 6M (12’ X 20’), has large windows with countryside views and a French door that opens to the terrace. The spacious ensuite bath, tiled in blue and white, has a glass stall shower (no tub), double vanity with a large mirror and WC.

The two bedrooms on the upper level both have twin beds that can be joined to form a queen-sized bed. The bedrooms, mirror images of each other, have ample closet space and beautiful views of the mountains. These bedrooms share a full bathroom and a separate WC.

Among the amenities in the comfortable and charmingly appointed villa are a television and VCR in the living room. Little touches here and there show the thoughtful manner in which the owners constructed and equipped the house.

Rêves d’Azur is a breath of fresh air, with high-quality furnishings and a palette of pretty colors that evoke the sunny ambiance of the south of France. The bustling village of Peymeinade, five minutes away by car, offers all basic commerce, including a bakery, several cafés and restaurants, small grocery store, post office and ATM. Grasse, the city of perfumes, is a 15-minute drive, and Nice Airport can be reached in 45 minutes. The myriad villages and towns of the Côte d’Azur, each with its own flair and unique charm, are within a 30-minute drive.

NOTE: The owner’s mother lives on the property, in an apartment that is joined to but entirely separate from the house. She does not use the pool or in anyway interfere with guests’ enjoyment of the property. She does not speak English.