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MAS DU TILLEUL

NOTE: The road that leads to Mas du Tilleul (a distance of about 100 meters, 100 yards) is bounded on both sides by low stone walls and is very narrow in one or two places. The road can accommodate a full-sized car, but is most easily negotiated by a mid-sized or compact vehicle. We agree with our clients who have stayed at Mas du Tilleul that the extra caution required to arrive at this lovely mas is well worth the trouble.

Gordes has a special appeal for visitors to the Lubéron, and for good reason. It is a lively village with at least three good restaurants, an interesting château and art museum, and a multitude of shops specializing in the colorful arts and crafts of Provence. For a central location from which to set out to explore the region, it couldn't be better.

For vacationers who would like to be near Gordes in a newly renovated mas with outstanding amenities that is within walking distance (about 20 minutes) of the village, and also in a setting of complete privacy, Mas du Tilleul could signal the end of a long search. With five bedrooms, a one-third hectare (about .75-acre) terrain with pretty gardens and some 350m2 (3,760 sq. ft.) of living space, it offers proximity to the village and much else for families who want a peaceful vacation without being isolated.

The main level is comprised of a long rectangular space with high ceilings that reach to more than two meters (13'). Entrances to the two ground floor bedrooms and a guest lavatory are on one side, and on the other a virtual wall of windows and French doors that overlook the garden and pool. The line of vision begins with the open-plan kitchen near the entrance, extends next to the interior dining area, and terminates with the large and exceptionally comfortable salon. Just before the salon is one of Mas du Tilleul's most engaging features - a luxurious full-sized pocket billiard table with plenty of cues. One can just imagine the spirited competition here after the evening meal.

French doors, framed by sheer floral drapes, admit abundant sunshine and give the salon a cool, serene atmosphere complemented by the attractive gray sectional sofa and antiqued coffee table that face the corner fireplace. Built-in bookshelves house the entertainment facilities, which include a 42" flat screen HD television with satellite reception (CNN and BBC available), a DVD player, Playstation and a sophisticated full stereo system with iPod connectivity and Internet radio. There is also a large collection of books with many selections in English for guest enjoyment.

The terrace, with its classic balustrade and stone floor, is where summertime guests will inevitably spend much of their time at Mas du Tilleul. The terrace is deep and long, extending almost the entire rear façade of the house, and overlooks the pool and beautifully landscaped gardens. Meals can be enjoyed at a long wrought-iron table, inlaid with ceramic tiles, that will comfortably seat up to twelve guests. The terrace is partially covered, providing shade for a midday lunch. In cool periods or in inclement weather, the walnut dining table and matching chairs in the inside dining area, suitable for an elegant dinner party, provides an alternative venue.

The newly renovated kitchen leaves nothing to be desired in the way of convenience, functionality or design. A professional-burner stovetop with one electric and four gas burners, oven, grill and plate warmer is mounted in a wide central work island with an exhaust hood. The over-sized two-door refrigerator has in-door water and ice dispensers. Stone floors, tumbled marble counters, antiqued gray cabinets, overhead lighting and a multitude of windows brighten a work area that is spacious and equipped with high-quality cookware and place settings. Standing at the stove, the cook can keep up a lively banter with guests in the dining area or at the pool table.

Two medium-sized bedrooms, one with a queen-sized and the other with a king-sized bed, open off the main room. Both have large built-in closets and, as with each bedroom at Mas du Tilleul, there are bedside tables with lamps or wall fixtures for reading in bed. These bedrooms overlook the boules court and borie (a centuries-old conical stone structure) surrounded by trees and greenery, and do not have a view of the garden. Between them is a modern full bath.

A stairway leads to the master suite, a commodious set of rooms with a view of the garden and beyond to the Lubéron Valley. Here there are a king-sized bed and a handsomely decorated ensuite bathroom, finished in taupe-colored tile with white porcelain fixtures. Like the ground floor bathroom, the master bath has a tub, overhead shower with glass door, twin basins, towels warmers and a WC. The master suite is especially suitable for a couple that wants extra privacy.

The downstairs level, which opens directly onto the garden, has two additional bedrooms and a bath. This level is unabashedly designed as a haven for children. And what good times the younger set can have in this suite of rooms. One bedroom is fitted dormitory-style with three sets of good-quality bunk beds, and the other has twin beds. The full bath has a stall shower, twin basins, towel warmer and WC. With direct access to the garden and pool from their own private lair, children can come and go without disturbing their elders in the rooms above.

Also on the garden level is a laundry room with a washing machine and separate tumble dryer.

Adjacent to the garden-level entrance is a covered structure that houses the summer kitchen. A barbecue, sink with hot and cold water, refrigerat make this a great place to prepare a simple lunch or snacks by the pool.

The large (11.25m X 8.5m, 37' X 28') pool - words fail us in trying to describe its unique free-form shape - is surrounded by a lawn and gardens thronged with flowering shrubs, other flora and young olive trees. The pool has a diving board, and is filtered by a state-of-the-art system that uses almost no chlorine.

Beyond the pool and garden are a boules court and a massive stone table and benches where players can relax between turns. The entire property is surrounded by a wall constructed of local stone, and is protected by an alarm system. The front gate opens electronically. There is a covered parking area for two cars.

Mas du Tilleul is a unique mix of classic and contemporary motifs, and we find the combination very pleasing. From the exterior, the mas emanates an aura of tradition with its vine-covered entrance, the heavy, thick wooden front door that looks as if once belonged to a 12th-century monastery, and the classic Provencal style of architecture, as seen in its terra cotta tile roof and pastel shutters against walls constructed of yellow dry stones from nearby quarries. Inside, the décor shows a refreshing modernity, as reflected in the cool gray colors of the salon, the designer kitchen and the smartly decorated modern baths. There is no question but that Mas du Tilleul is an exceptionally desirable property in one of the prettiest and most sought-after areas of Provence.