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MAISON DES VIGNERONS

This lovely and very comfortable villa is situated in a compound of other handsome properties just south of Saint-Tropez. It is charmingly decorated throughout, has a medium-size swimming pool and is set in a quiet location adjoining a huge vineyard that produces wines of the Côtes-de-Provence appellation.

While it has no sea view, Maison des Vignerons enjoys exceptional privacy for this area and is within a few minutes' drive to the famous sand beaches between Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle. The shops, restaurants and vibrant village life of Saint-Tropezare less than 10 minutes away. To the north are the intriguing medieval perched villages of the Var region of Provence, and to the east Cannes, Nice and Monaco.

Externally this one-story villa has the appearance of a typical Provençal mas, with a red tile roof and beige walls covered by many vines. The interior has the ambiance of a house several generations old, with beamed ceilings, white walls and terra cotta floors throughout; the furnishings are exclusively antiques, the moldings and doors are of polished wood, and the décor makes abundant use of colorful Provençal fabrics. The technical aspects of the house, as reflected in the kitchen, gleaming bathrooms and service appliances, are totally modern.

The spacious living room, which opens onto a large terrace by way of several floor-to-ceiling doors, is dominated by a large fireplace in the middle of the room. Two large sofas and two wing chairs, both in white, provide plenty of comfortable seating. One is impressed here and throughout the entire villa with the high quality of the antiques.

In the separate dining room is a round table large enough for six, and doors that open onto the terrace. This is a very pleasant room, cozy and warmly lighted.

Two steps down from the living room is the master bedroom. Here is a queen-sized bed with a pretty coverlet in bright colors, and more polished antique pieces. The high ceiling is beamed and slanted, and there are doors opening directly onto the terrace. The full ensuite bath, quite large and decorated with beautiful tiles, has an excellent stall shower.

The second and third bedrooms are at the opposite side of the house from the master bedroom, providing extra privacy for two or more couples.

The second bedroom has a 55" double bed and opens onto the garden. In the third bedroom are two twin beds which can also be made up as a king-size bed. There is no particular view from this bedroom. Both of these bedrooms use a large tiled bathroom that is in the hall between them.

A fourth bedroom, perfect for a nanny or teenager who desires extra privacy, is found at the end of the villa on the pool side. The room has a single bed and a vanity with sink and mirror. Entrance to this room is only from the outside, and occupants use the bathroom shared by the second and third bedrooms. This is an intimate room, with the walls and ceiling of gleaming wood and windows overlooking the pool.

The kitchen, decorated in blue and white tiles, has excellent counter and cupboard space and modern appliances, including a dishwasher, four-burner stove, wall oven, two-door refrigerator and various accessories such as coffeemaker, microwave oven, toaster and food processor. Other appliances in the villa include a washing machine and color TV.

As pretty as the interior of this villa is, the most alluring features of Maison des Vignerons lie in the terrace, garden and pool area, which is on the rear side of the house and thus very private and relaxed. The terrace runs the entire length of the house, and is accessible from the dining room, living room and master bedroom. One can sunbathe here, or retreat to the shade under the thatched roof that covers the entire terrace. In the warm months most meals are taken on the terrace at the large wooden table that is shaded by an umbrella and seats eight to 10 people.

From the terrace a gravel path leads down a short slope to the swimming pool and garden, which is beautifully landscaped with flowers and shrubs. The view from the terrace and pool is to the south and over the neighboring vineyard.

Maison des Vignerons has excellent central heating and can be occupied year-round. It is especially wonderful in May and June and in September and October, when the weather is pleasant but most tourists have departed, leaving one of the most enchanting areas in all of France--and some of its best restaurants in all price categories--open for leisurely exploration.