The house

Mas des Costes is part of what was one large farmhouse until 1838, when it was split into two. Over the years the two houses have been developed and extended as quite separate houses, facing in opposite directions. Whilst our house, and our neighbours’, remain semi-detached we are each completely private.

We have owned our house since 1990, during which time we have completely renovated it, converted the adjacent barn to living space, and added a small extension. The house is now insulated to a very high standard which ensures that it stays cool in high summer, and retains its warmth in winter. There is gas central-heating, making it perfectly feasible to holiday here all year round. The house is reached from a quiet lane which has no through traffic. The front garden has an open aspect, with gravel parking area (3 – 4 cars) and lawn. The house is approached through olive trees, and there are automatic outside lights to guide late arrivals.

Floorplan

 

Ground Floor

The front door leads into a small hallway, with an adjacent store room which is kept closed during lets. From the hall, a glazed connecting door leads into the large (8 x 4 metres) open plan kitchen/dining room in space that has been converted from an original barn. The massive roof beams have been retained, as has the original barn opening, now with fully double-glazed French windows, which provides access out to the patio.

The kitchen is equipped to a very high standard with electric oven; gas hob; microwave; dishwasher; and a large American – style fridge-freezer which has an ice cube dispenser, chilled filtered water dispenser, and a bar. There is a hi-fi with CD player; radio; i-pod connector; and ceiling-mounted loudspeakers.

Behind the kitchen there is a small utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, and iron and ironing board. Next to the utility room is the downstairs shower room with wash basin, WC, and shower.

The dining area has a large antique dining table that extends to seat 12 people in comfort. The huge French windows provide lovely views up the garden, and direct access to an outdoor dining area with pergola and a shady Mulberry tree. Whilst the kitchen and utility room have tiled floors, the dining area and rest of the ground floor has a wooden floor, which is kinder for small children to play on.

From the dining area there is a connecting door to the sitting room (5.8 x 3.8 metres) with sofa, armchairs, fireplace with wood burning stove, satellite TV/radio and video/DVD. (French and UK free-to-air TV channels are available). This room provides a very cosy sitting area. It retains many period features, including massive roof beams and stone faced wall. It is fully double-glazed, and also has double French doors giving access to the patio with its shady pergola. At the rear of the sitting room is a large walk-in storage cupboard, where we keep a cot and high chair (on request) for our younger guests, together with various games and toys which all are welcome to use.

From the sitting room there is a connecting door to a rear lobby providing access to Bedroom 1, the staircase, and the back garden door. This connecting door may be locked, if required, to prevent very young children from getting to the stairs.

Bedroom 1 is a large double bedroom (3.8 x 3.6 metres) with en suite facilities (WC, wash basin, and walk-in shower area within a stunning aquamarine glass enclosure), and overlooks the small, secluded, side garden. It has original massive wood beams and a wooden floor. It has a king-size bed, an antique chest of drawers with marble top, and a built-in wardrobe in an alcove.

First Floor

There is a straight flight of wide stairs to the first floor, which contains three further bedrooms and a bathroom.

Bedroom 2 is a very large room with a king-size double bed, chest of drawers, and wardrobe – plus additional cupboards.

Bedroom 3 is a smaller room with two full size bunk beds, and its own wash basin. Whilst these beds are full size, and so could be used by adults, this room is better suited to children. There is limited headroom above the top bunk which is not a problem for a child, but which an adult might find limiting. There is a small chest of drawers and hanging rail.

Bedroom 4 has two full size single beds, a chest of drawers, and wardrobe.

The upstairs bathroom has a bath with dedicated shower area; WC; and a wash basin set in to a large mosaic tiled surface. This room was completely renovated very recently, with new wooden floor, double-glazed window, and radiator. It has possibly the best views in the house, overlooking the vineyards to the side of the house, with not another property in sight.

Garden

The grounds are about ¼ acre, with large swimming pool (12 x 5 metres) for the exclusive use of guests, fully fenced off in compliance with French law. There is a pool house with  table and chairs, and sun loungers, and a shower with solar-heated hot water (when the sun shines, which is most of the time). The pool is usually open for use from 1 May – 30 September, although the weather is normally warm enough for the swimming season to be extended well into October.

The rest of the garden comprises an olive grove, ancient well (covered and gated), and raised beds separated by river gravel. There are views to open country to the west, and over vineyards to the north. The property is fully fenced with gates that can be closed to allow small children to run around freely, although our lane is not a through road and so has very little traffic. A barbecue is provided.

Maintenance and cleaning

In addition to the property rental, there is a cleaning/laundry charge of €100.

As Mas des Costes is self-catering our guests are responsible for cleaning the kitchen before departure, disposing of any unused food items, and to make sure the kitchen is ready for use by our next guests.

We have an English-speaking ‘gardien’, Passos (he also speaks French and Portuguese), who will be available to take care of any maintenance issues. He, or his assistant, will call round about twice a week to ensure that the pool is clean. Our cleaner, Magalie, cleans the house thoroughly before and after each let.

Heating

Mas des Costes has gas central heating and the house has been insulated to a very high standard. This makes longer lets in the Low season an attractive and economic proposition. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.