Provence West

Mas de la Fôret-Le Mas Entier

Mas de la Fôret is a truly unique rental property, both in terms of the luxurious yet thoroughly comfortable accommodations it provides and the incredible location, which combines the best of country tranquility, small village ambiance, chateaux-country history, and close proximity to the incomparable sites of Paris. It is an absolutely perfect choice for families or groups of couples or adults seeking to enjoy all that Paris has to offer without sacrificing the ability to kick off your heels and relax that only a vacation in the country can provide.

Guests enter the property through a radio-controlled privacy gate which opens onto a sunny interior courtyard shaded by ancient trees. To one side lies an inviting dining table, providing the perfect spot for morning petit dejeuner or an afternoon apperitf. In season, terra cotta pots and antique planters spill over with blooming flowers, while trailing vines provide a graceful accent to the stone walls framing this peaceful setting.

From the courtyard, guests access the main portion of the mas into a welcoming entry hall, fitted with a beautifully appointed day bed and surrounded by country antique accent pieces. Down a few steps to the left lies the "heart" of the house...an open, airy greatroom centered by a huge fireplace, flanked by comfortable seating groups, on one end, and an inviting dining area and incredibly well-appointed country kitchen on the other.

The great room's living area is decorated with a tasteful selection of regional antiques and accent pieces, which provide the provincial ambiance; wireless internet access, an entertainment system with flat-screen satellite television, DVD player and stereo, and in-floor radiant heat provide modern comforts.

Separating the living area from the kitchen lies a traditional pine dining table, with seating for eight to ten guests. The kitchen boasts a Sub-Zero stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator/freezer with ice-maker, a four burner gas range, range, dishwasher, double sink and washing machine and dryer. You'll find every counter-top appliance and accoutrement you could ask for to prepare even the most gourmet meal (or to arrange a mouth-watering assortment of local delicacies picked up at the local epicierie or traitteur to enjoy in the garden). The floors are beautifully traditional stone tiles, and the high ceilings are accented by authentic wood beams...creating an ambiance that is at once truly country French yet worthy of a four-star retreat.

From the kitchen area, guests step out onto the exterior terrace, with a small BBQ, a dining table and chairs, and seating areas with umbrellas to provide shade. A full-sized swimming pool (photos to come!) will be in place in time for the summer, 2009 season.

There are two bedrooms on the main level. A guest room, with king bed and ensuite shower and washbasin, is located adjacent to the greatroom. On the opposite side of the main level, across the entry hall from the greatroom, lies a powder room (with toilet and washbasin) and a "communications closet," with fax machine/scanner/copier/printer unit for guests desiring to stay in touch with their "real" lives while enjoying the respite that the mas provides.

Also on the main level, opposite the greatroom, is a second beautifully-appointed bedroom. Decorated in peaceful turquoise shades, it features a queen bed (with American mattress and box springs), a decorative fireplace, antique armoires and an ensuite bathroom with toilet and shower.

Upstairs in the main house (note that there is NOT a safety railing, and thus guests must be vigilant about supervising young guests), along exposed stone walls, lies the elegantly decorated master bedroom, with its antique furnishings, high ceilings, hardwood floors and a charming bathroom with claw-footed tub (with hand-held shower), toilet and a huge closet (with safe).

Across the landing from the master bedroom is the "olive" bedroom...with its charming olive-tree accents, sloped ceilings and views over the entry courtyard. Fitted with two twin beds (which can be combined), this bedroom also features a small ensuite shower room and toilet room.

A separate apartment, adjacent, yet completely separate, from the olive bedroom, provides two bedrooms, each with two twins, a shower room and washbasin, and toilet, a small kitchenette and small living/dining areas. The private apartment would be perfect for families traveling with a nanny or other assistance.

The rental price includes three hours a day of housekeeping three times per week.

The mas is located within the absolutely delightful village of Arbonne la Fôret, just outside the famous artists' village of Barbizon (less than three kilometers from the mas) and a short drive to Fontainebleau, home to French nobility for centuries and to Napolean Bonaparte during the first French Empire.

The Fontainebleau region was a favorite retreat of the French royalty before they moved the Palace to Versailles. Home to several beautiful palaces and chateaux (Vaux le Vicomte is one of our favorites in all of France), this beautifully pastoral locale, so close to Paris, was also favored by many of the most famous painters of the Impressionist school, including Monet, Renoir, Manet, Sisley and others. It is an absolutely perfect vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with tennis, hiking and rock climbing, world-class horseback riding and cycling opportunities all within a five to ten minute drive.

From Fontainebleau, guests can catch the direct train into Paris, making Mas la Fôret a wonderful choice for visitors or longer-term guests looking to combine the extraordinary experience of a visit to Paris with the relaxation of a French countryside vacation. Spend a week or two at Mas de la Fôret...and enjoy the best of both worlds!

Amenities

• American Shower
• Ancient Construction
• Country Setting
• Dishwasher
• Dryer
• Fax Machine
• Fireplace
• Gardens
• Highspeed/Wireless Internet

• Mid-week housekeeping
• Music System
• Satellite TV
• Terrace/Balcony
• Town/Village Setting
• Views
• Village Setting
• Walking Distance to Village
• Washer