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BASTIDE DE MARIE

Just France is pleased to present Bastide de Marie, a splendid property that satisfies a myriad of needs for the prospective renter: a traditional structure, newly renovated, with sea views, air-conditioning, within easy walking distance to the beach and to Saint-Tropez. That it usually books up very early for the coming season is a testament to its many desirable features.

The imposing square structure with its cream-colored stucco walls, light blue shutters and tiled roof is surrounded by enormous palm trees, spacious lawns, terraces on two sides and, in the entrance courtyard, a dazzling garden of white roses. The property access is through an electric gate from a lane which descends from the road to Plage de Tahiti, just 800 meters from the house. Château de la Messardière, a luxury hotel with a gourmet restaurant, is 100 meters from the house in the direction of the beach. The center of Saint-Tropez is 1 km from the house. In the courtyard there is parking for three to four cars, with a lovely stone fountain along the rear wall of the property.

The entrance hall is a wide space with a large gilded mirror over a sofa table on one side and a wall of closets on the other. There is a powder room and the staircase to the four bedrooms upstairs. The voluminous salon is straight ahead and a few steps down. The kitchen and dining room open off the entry hall. The floors throughout the ground floor are beige tumbled marble and there are exposed beams in the ceiling of the salon.

Together with the windows on three sides and plentiful illumination from recessed spotlights, the salon is a welcoming, breezy room. Comfortable sofas and armchairs surround a glass-topped coffee table before a large fireplace, and a flatscreen TV with satellite reception and DVD player are carefully placed in a corner. Built-in bookshelves holding a variety of books in English and French line one wall and a long writing desk looks out one of many sets of French doors. The impressive views from any point in this room are over the pool and garden to the sea. Sailboats dot the Bay of Saint-Tropez and yachts glide in and out of the port (out of sight to the left). Several outdoor sitting and dining areas, including one long table and chairs for up to 10, are casually arranged under a covered terrace along the two sides of the house that benefit from the sea view.

The medium-sized kitchen has top-quality stainless steel appliances, including a large two-door refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave oven and gas stove and oven set into a work island. The counters are gray granite and the cupboards are distressed white. The beamed ceiling complements the wood table for six to eight and dishes and stemware are housed in a tall glass-front buffet. A set of French doors opens to the rear terrace.

Upstairs are four air-conditioned bedrooms, all with queen-sized beds and vaulted, beamed ceilings. Each bedroom has wooden floors with area rugs and excellent lighting from bedside tables with matching lamps and wall fixtures. Each bedroom has a distinct décor and is relatively equal in size, with the master bedroom’s defining feature being its private terrace.

The first bedroom has a blue and white nautical theme, with toile curtains, a large carved armoire and small chest of drawers. This bedroom looks over the pool and has a sea view. The ensuite bathroom is in beige marble with tub and shower with half-glass door, single basin in a wide vanity, WC and bidet. The second bedroom is all in cream, with an armoire, dressing table and armchair. The third bedroom is the smallest of the bedrooms, with a fabric-covered headboard and matelassé quilt. There is an armchair, gilded mirror and in-wall closet. These two bedrooms share a huge bathroom on the hall, finished in cream-colored tumbled marble with a large shower with sunflower head and glass door, double vessel basins with magnifying mirrors and WC.

The master bedroom has a rose and cream motif with a built-in closet along its small entry hall. There is a private terrace with two chairs that enjoys a magnificent view of the pool and sea. The ensuite bath is in brown marble and includes a clawfoot bath tub, separate glass stall shower, double vanity, WC and bidet.

Across the rose garden and parking area is the former garage, which has been remodeled to create a lovely studio, perfect for a couple who desires extra privacy, someone who has trouble with stairs or a staff person. The studio is air-conditioned and comprises a bedroom with queen-sized bed, an ensuite bath with stall shower, basin and WC, and a compact salon with sofa, loveseat and kitchenette. The laundry facilities are also in the converted garage and include a washing machine and separate dryer.

The garden is beautifully landscaped and most notable for its several enormous palm trees and wide variety of flowering plants and bushes. When illuminated at night, the garden provides a stunning backdrop for an evening meal under the terrace and stars. The large pool (6 m X 12 m, 20’ X 40’) is down a small slope and has steps in one corner and infinity edge. A generous complement of high-quality chaise longues with cushions surrounds the pool. The property is bordered by the same white rose bushes that dominate the entry courtyard, and while there are other houses in the area, the maturity of the landscaping lends a feeling of privacy and tranquility. With bustling Saint-Tropez just a short walk away, peace and quiet can be in short supply!

Bastide de Marie stands out for its casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. It does not try to overpower with splashy art pieces or brightly-tiled bathrooms, instead allowing the quality of its materials and its coveted position on a gentle slope overlooking the Mediterranean to make the statement of unpretentious luxury and comfort. The house rents by the month in July and August and for two weeks minimum in June and September.