***Some availability remains for last-minute bookings in July & August 2021***
La Bastide de San Sebastien is a stunning self-catered 5-bedroom luxury villa located within the Luberon National Park. Situated in the world-famous Provence region, it is the perfect South of France holiday home for families, groups of friends or couples looking for an exclusive getaway.
Built as a 14th century watch tower, the villa has a prime private hilltop position with views over the village of St-Michel-l'Observatoire, picturesque countryside and Alpine peaks. Stonework is listed and original medieval architectural features remain.
The property, or traditional Provencal 'bastide,' offers large grounds, panoramic views, stunning outdoor pool and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas for up to 13 people. It makes an idyllic rural retreat for family or group villa holidays. Find out more here.
This is a true summer holiday heaven: spend summer days relaxing by the pool or in vast gardens. The outdoor swimming pool (4.8 x 12m) is surrounded by an elegant stone area that offers both sunbathing and shade or space for games under a typically Provencal 'tunnelle'.
The pool area is fully enclosed and highly secure for young children, making this a great family-friendly villa in the South of France. It’s private location out of sight from the house means that winter stays are not impacted when the pool is closed.
To book La Bastide de San Sebastien or read more go to their website or send them an email at info@labastidedesansebastien.com. You can also check out their Instagram for more photos and up-to-date information about availability.
The arrival onto the property is a through a light-dappled young oak forest. This gives way to an impressive view of nearby Mane, Forcalquier and the Midi Alps beyond. The approach to the house is lined with olive trees, pines and poplars.
Grassy areas and ancient terraces with flowered bedding surround the main house, and beyond that there are mature trees including the one of the very last remaining Roman mulberry trees in Provence. Throughout La Bastide de San Sebastien there is pervading sense of open space, rural countryside and panoramic scenic views.
The ground floor is home to a large light-filled open-plan area with kitchen, communal dining area and spacious sitting room with wood-burning stove.
Indoors, on the ground floor of the villa, there is a large well-equipped kitchen which offers mountain views. The nearest towns for food shopping include Mane (8km) and Forcalquier (10km). For those after a luxury summer holiday without any cooking, there is the option of booking a private chef.
Just off the living area, leading to the main stairway, there is a laundry room and pantry, ideal for food preparation. Read on to find out which famous chef stayed at La Bastide de San Sebastien when filming for his BBC television series. The beautiful curved stone stairway is lit by a double story slit window.
Considered the heart of the house, French doors open onto a stunning terrace with covered outdoor dining table, space for serving and beautiful countryside views. Enjoy al fresco breakfasts while looking out over the St-Michel-l'Observatoire, known for it's world-famous observatory and excellent stargazing.
Accessed from the dining terrace, around the corner there is an ancient covered terrace that overlooks the beautiful medieval courtyard which dates from the 14th century.
Grab some quiet time with a book on hot summer afternoons. We recommend reading Peter Mayle's best-selling 'A Year in Provence' which was written from the author's base in Ménerbes, a picturesque Luberon village located just an hour from the villa.
On the ground floor there is a super king double room with bathroom opposite. Heading up the spiral staircase takes you to two en suite double bedrooms, both with king beds. A small area outside the second bedroom room can be curtained off to create a family unit with an additional single bed. The villa is a fab family choice for luxury holidays in Provence.
The second floor is home to two bedrooms - one double and one with two single beds; both share a bathroom. This floor also has a full TV/cinema area with access to Apple TV. The room layout is based on the original medieval fort and sleeps 11 (plus 2 child beds).
Located below the main bastide, off the medieval courtyard, there is a studio is perfect for a couple or 3 teenagers. It has its own bathroom, small kitchen, private sun terrace and a mezzanine with a double bed. A child can share with parents if required (total of 3) or it can work as a private romantic Luberon bolthole.
Finally, this Provencal villa has culinary connections. Famous chef, Rick Stein, chose La Bastide de San Sebastien as the location for his 2019 BBC television series, 'Secret France'. He is pictured here facing the villa's medieval courtyard.
Booking Information
Book La Bastide de San Sebastien here or email info@labastidedesansebastien.com. Rates start at €4,000 a week.
N.B There are 5 bedrooms in the main house, plus a studio (sleeping up to 13 guests). Enjoy full-service open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, delightful outdoor dining terrace, sun terrace, idyllic outdoor pool and large country garden.