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MAS DE MICHEL

Mas de Michel is a lovely 18th-century farmhouse set in 10 acres abounding with orchards of almond, peach, cherry, apricot, fig and plum trees. There are flat green lawns and a spectacular open view onto the surrounding Alpilles. Despite its expansiveness, however, the property is very private and not overlooked by any other houses.

The main living accommodations are on three floors. On the ground level, with an entrance to the pool area, is a spacious modern kitchen, fully equipped with a large refrigerator, dishwasher, wall-mounted regular and microwave ovens and generous counter space. Adjoining the kitchen is a pretty breakfast area that opens through big arched doors onto a large terrace, shaded by a grape arbor that is ideal for outdoor eating. In the breakfast area is an attractive antique wood farm table large enough for eight, and on the terrace is a barbecue for grilling. In the laundry room are a washing machine and separate dryer. A guest WC is off the foyer.

The living room has two sitting areas that are amply furnished with sofas and comfortable chairs; there is an original working fireplace in this room and floor-to-ceiling doors that open into the garden. Also on this level are a cozy study (with fax machine on a dedicated line) and a separate dining room with a table for 10. All rooms throughout the house have typical Provençal beamed ceilings. On the ground level much of the flooring is of original terra cotta tile, while in the bedrooms upstairs most rooms are carpeted.

Upstairs on the first (French) floor are three bedrooms with large beds and three bathrooms, one of them ensuite. The master bedroom, which composes a separate suite, has a queen-sized bed and a beautiful bath across the hall with a big glass stall shower, wide vanity and WC. Another bedroom--which could also be used as the master bedroom--has a king-size bed and large ensuite bath with handheld shower with white stone floor. The third double bedroom queen-sized bed and uses a bath across the hall that is identical to the master. All bedrooms have either good closet space or large armoires.

On the third level are two further bedrooms, smaller and slightly more simply decorated, each with twin beds. These bedrooms share a spacious and well-appointed bathroom (shower only). All of the five bedrooms on the two levels have a beautiful south view across the lawn and orchards toward the Alpilles.

The swimming pool measures 5m X 14 m (16.5' X 46') and is discreetly tucked away behind a hedge, where it is easily accessible from the house and terrace. An elaborate pool house with a covered pavilion houses an outdoor kitchen and another eating area. For children, in addition to the large sweeping lawn there is a swing and a game room with darts and a Ping-Pong table.

In addition Mas de Michel's private court, tennis enthusiasts can find two tennis courts in the nearby village, and more at Saint-Rémy, where there is also a private tennis club that offers temporary memberships. For golfers there is an outstanding golf course near Les Baux-de-Provence about 15 minutes away.

All in all this pretty mas has been carefully restored with an eye toward comfort but without loss of its original charm or authenticity. Care has been taken to preserve the Provençal feel with well-chosen country antiques in the common areas. An additional bonus at Mas de Michel are the caretakers, a charming French couple who live in the adjoining property and can be called on for housecleaning, baby-sitting and other assistance.

The only caveat that JUST FRANCE feels obliged to raise regarding Mas de Michel is that occasionally there is a modicum of road noise from automobiles that pass on a country road near the house. In our view this does not create a problem at Mas de Michel and in no way would inhibit us from recommending the villa or renting it ourselves. Whatever slight noise there is does not affect the bedrooms, none of which have windows that open onto the side of the villa nearest the road.

Mas de Michel is a fine property, exceptional for its size, ambiance of relaxed comfort and for its location near the typically Provençal village of Eygalières. With its cobbled streets and picturesque old church on the hill Eygalières is an artist's delight; it also has all basic shops, including a bakery for early-morning croissants, butcher, general store and pharmacy as well as several pleasant restaurants and cafés where one may sip an afternoon pastis and watch the world go by. Whether for a family vacation or a reunion with old friends in a casual atmosphere, Mas de Michel is an ideal choice in an ideal location.