Classic Provençale Family House, Spectacular Setting, Pool, Extensive Grounds

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Entire home

Pool and Luberon at sunset from wing bedroom.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

6 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 8372 sq m

Popular amenities

Pool

Pet-friendly

Fireplace

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’Azur

Chateau de Gordes6 min drive
Village des Bories8 min drive
Senanque Abbey10 min drive
Marseille (MRS-Marseille - Provence)57 min drive

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Master double bedroom, main house.

1 Queen Bed

Master double bedroom, wing.

1 Queen Bed

Master twin bedroom, main house.

2 Single Beds

Second double bedroom, main house.

1 Queen Bed

Single bedroom, main house.

1 Single Bed

Twin bedroom, wing.

2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

2nd bathroom (nautical) main house

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Half bath, wing

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom, Main House

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Master Bath Wing

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Ideal for multi-generational vacations. The house has plenty of space to be together or to spread out for individual pass-times. Two of the six bedrooms are in the wing, emphasizing space and options. Furthermore, the living room, library, study, two terraces by the house, and another by the pool provide lots of room. There is both indoor dining in the dining room and outdoor dining in the courtyard behind the house with barbecue.

The setting is peaceful and protected. The hamlet beyond the courtyard feels like the Provence we knew before 'A Year in Provence' attracted all the attention. Even in high season (the Luberon valley is popular in summer), while close and accessible, the property is a getaway. It is frequently praised for 'feeling classically Provençale.' The house faces the Luberon and looks out over orchards, vineyards and fields. The pool sits beyond and below so it has privacy and doesn't interfere with activities around the house.

For fifteen years, in the fall and spring, Sarah Brown has run 'A Week In Provence,' a cultural and gastronomic program from the house. For this the house has a fully equipped kitchen, and guest amenities like wireless internet, cable TV, hair dryers, soaps, etc. Sarah lives in the hamlet and usually greets new guests with a glass of wine and a quick-start to the house and the region. She is a tremendous source of advice and tips. With her experience, she can point guests towards where they want to go and what they want to see in accordance with their interests. See more about Sarah and the house.

The property is also an ideal place to do nothing more than admire the view, an activity which never seems to get old. Visiting the nearby hill villages, Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Menerbes, Oppède is a lovely, easy activity. They tare less than fifteen minutes from the house. On foot, terrific walks or hikes go North, East, South and West from the house and provide tremendous panoramas along their routes. Nearly every day during the summer there are markets up and down the valley including a great farmers' market just three miles from the house, twice a week, in Coustellet which also has an exceptionally good bakery and a very very good (and recent) super market.

Property manager

Sheppard Ferguson, Sarah Brown.

Languages

English, French

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Outdoor space

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 30

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Gordes

Located in Gordes, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Luberon Regional Park and Luberon. Nestor le Castor and Le Jarditrain Amusement Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with water tubing and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and horse riding.

View more Holiday homes in Gordes

Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’Azur

What's nearby

Chateau de Gordes - 6 min drive
Caves du Palais Saint Firmin - 6 min drive
Village des Bories - 8 min drive
Senanque Abbey - 10 min drive
Luberon - 49 min drive

Getting around

Cavaillon Station - 20 min drive
Avignon (AVN-Caumont) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

‪Le Cercle Républicain - ‬6 min drive
‪Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon - ‬5 min drive
‪Café de la Poste - ‬6 min drive
‪L'Estellan - ‬3 min drive
‪Café des Poulivets - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Classic Provençale Family House, Spectacular Setting, Pool, Extensive Grounds pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Classic Provençale Family House, Spectacular Setting, Pool, Extensive Grounds?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Classic Provençale Family House, Spectacular Setting, Pool, Extensive Grounds?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Classic Provençale Family House, Spectacular Setting, Pool, Extensive Grounds located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is steps from Luberon Regional Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Moulin des Bouillons and Musee de la Lavande. Domaine de la Citadelle and Olive Oil Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne F.

4 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unforgettable Family Memories

If you are looking for an authentic French Provençal experience, look no further than this home. We had a wonderful week at this lovely family house that is ideal for groups like ours with plenty of bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas and a well equipped kitchen. We made full use of the various sitting areas outside to eat our meals or just sit and relax with a glass of wine or a cup of tea or coffee. The setting is beautiful and private and we found it very easy to relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings. The pool was a great place to cool off in the afternoon. The house is centrally located for visiting the many nearby market towns and villages that Provence is famous for. Sarah was a warm and friendly host who took excellent care of us.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trisha H.

13 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A memorable stay in a lovely villa

My friends and family stayed in this beautiful villa and enjoyed every moment of their time there. The villa is in a lovely serene setting looking out to forest and mountains. Close by there are trails to walk through vineyards and fields of poppies. Sarah, the host, who lives next door was so generous with her time to assist as needed and was willing to share her vast knowledge of the area. She also has great culinary skills and made a delicious dinner featuring the cuisine of Provence. The villa is very close to Gordes, which is featured as one of the most picturesque towns in Southern France.

Stayed 31 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dayton M.

22 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best time near Gordes!!!

This home is for someone who wants and authentic experience in the region. Our host, Sarah is amazing!!! Everything was perfect and we can’t wait to return. Our last night she did a wonderful cooking demonstration followed by an amazing dinner that we all helped prepare. Not much wine left however!!! Thanks Saran. You are a rock star!!!!!!!/

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

laurent G.

11 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charmante et spacieuse ancienne maison dans un cadre idyllique

Le charme de cette vieille maison, ses multiples coins et recoins, ses terrasses accueillantes ainsi que la belle piscine noyée dans la verdure font oublier le côté un peu vétuste des salles de bain. L’emplacement est d’une tranquillité absolue et au cœur de la plus belle région du Luberon.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristina G., Paris, France

6 Sept 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal location, idyllic setting

Perfect location for exploring the villages and countryside of the Lubéron or whiling away the days by the pool. Sarah’s welcome meal was wonderful after a long travel day and we enjoyed learning the history of the property and her family. My husband spent all his mornings with the all the books in the vast library, he was in heaven!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

6 Sept 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

All around.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

yann m.

22 Feb 2019

A fantastic French touristic and culinary experience

Have stayed several times at the property which has as much character as you can expect in one of the most beautiful parts of France. It is located within a short drive of many of the renown villages in the area you will want to visit to enjoy local art and customs. As a french family living in the US, we also enjoy the hosts' company and bi-cultural background. And to top it all, they are great cooks should you wish to enjoy traditional cuisine 'at home' rather than rely on restaurants or cook yourself (you are there on vacation after all).

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mary G., Chicago

7 Nov 2018

Reflections on Les Martins

Six friends from Spain, New Zealand, Norway, and the USA decided to celebrate some major birthdays (80, 75, 70) and thought “Let’s head to the south of France in September”. Lucky for us we found Sarah Brown and Shep Ferguson’s house in Les Martins! What a delight - perfect for our exploring, yoga, swimming, eating and drinking rose! It was very comfortable for all of us with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms; the unique and interesting living room with the wonderful old bakery door still visible in the corner; the library terrace for our evening glass of rose while watching the sunset over the misty Luberon hills; the large covered terrace for our morning croissants and cafe au lait; the lovely narrow dining table from an ancient abbey which made our evening meals so intimate; the well equipped kitchen where we jostled and laughed and drank rose as we prepared our meals. Each day we’d sojourn to one or two wonderful towns in the area - Gordes, Roussilion, L’Oppede de Vieux, Lourmarin - exploring old castles, churches, markets, and stopping for lunch, with rose of course! Sarah Brown, our hostess, was a delight - greeting our arrival with her lovely yellow lab, Gaston, and soup au pistou and local rose! She was a font of knowledge of the area and a wonderful cook. It was fascinating to learn her family’s history in Les Martins and to hear how they purchased the old bakery in 1959 and turned it into this charming, book-filled and comfortable home. We’d go back in an instant - maybe for 85, 80 75 - or any birthdays in between!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Isa R.

23 Mar 2017

Gorgeous Provence, at its finest!

We had a truly delightful stay at Shep and Sarah's family home. Every morning we enjoyed our coffee and croissants on the veranda taking in the view of the Luberon Mountains, the namesake of the valley where the village of Les Martins sits. The accommodations are simple yet elegant and comfortable. It is real authentic country Provence, a house filled with vintage treasures and eclectic artwork. We had ample space, large clean bathrooms and light filled bedrooms with panoramic views to the mountains. In the warm afternoons we made our way down to swim in the pool or we headed out by car to roam the narrow streets of the neighboring villages. The house is within close proximity to several lovely markets and wineries. In the evenings we could prepare a meal with Sarah's expert advice, a culinary institution in her own right. The rustic old kitchen performs well and the large farm table straddling the huge fireplace is a lovely place to dine. Staying here was an absolute highlight of our trip to France. We hope to make this a regular stop in the years to come as our hearts yearn for such a classic and authentic experience.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Florian B.

14 Mar 2017

Lovely place, great stay

We have had a wonderful time in the house. We spent two weeks with six adults and three kids. The house is very spacious but also very cosy and very unique in style. From the garden and the pool you get a great view on the Luberon. The property is close to Gordes and Goult.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark F., San Francisco, California

14 Apr 2016

Lovely house in picturesque location

Long overdue review as our family has rented this house during August for the last 6 years and will do so again in August 2016. Why do we keep coming back? The house is lovely and perfectly set up for two or even three families with 4 bedrooms in the main house (a former Bakery) and 2 bedrooms in the wing (the former Stables). Plenty of room to be social indoors or out even a wonderful Library. Great location situated in a very pretty part of the Luberon on the north side of the valley with wonderful light. Below the house are 10 acres of apple trees, vineyards & fields. Traffic and people are at a distance. The kitchen is nicely furnished as the house was used for many years as a cooking school. Excellent knives, pans, etc., easy to imagine you were roughing it like Julia Child in the early 1970s! The pool is a social center for kids and adults during hot days. The ruins of a Roman tannery are just visible through the bean plants that provide shade by the chairs near the shallow end. For folks not experts in the region, Sarah (who lives next door) is a wealth of information on everything from different markets, to regional history (she is a trained historian), to how to cook an entire suckling pig. And for those with less-than-perfect French, Sarah's English is perfect. Enjoy! San Francisco Family

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dave V.

11 Apr 2016

Wonderful House, Amazing Location and Views

We have rented this house for two consecutive years and cannot say enough good things about our stay in this historic structure. The home is well maintained and perfect for large groups. It boasts the perfect amenities and location for introducing friends and family to Provence. After touring famed hilltop villages (minutes away) or the large attractions of Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and Cassis (an hour or less drive), our typical day would include a stop at the local markets and well-appointed grocery store in nearby Coustellet followed by relaxation at the spacious swimming pool. The kitchen provides all you need to make authentic Provencal meals and he views of the Luberon range from the house and terrace provided a perfect setting for long dinners on the terrace. Sarah Brown provided us with expert advice on touring the countryside and historical context of the region that made these trips much more meaningful. We will return to this special place again and again.

About the host

Hosted by Sheppard Ferguson, Sarah Brown.

Sarah Brown and Sheppard Ferguson, sister and brother, have known Les Martins since their parents bought the property and converted the farm into a family second home with swimming pool.
Until high school, Sarah attended French schools. She has a PhD in medieval architecture from Columbia University and has been often described as the English speaking person who knows the most about Provence. She has lived in Les Martins for 25 years and is writing the definitive book about the history and culture of the Luberon valley. As well as A Week in Provence she has owned a gallery in the region.
Sheppard has alternately been a bookseller and photographer, co-founding the rare art book company Ars Libri, Ltd in Boston and subsequently running Schoenhof's Foreign Books in Cambridge, MA, a subsidiary Editions Gallimard, the French publisher. His photographic documentation of the stone quarries in the region (the biggest one visible directly across the valley form the house) has been exhibited widely throughout Provence, in an Avignon museum and in New York. He currently lives in Watertown, MA.
Both Sarah and Sheppard love introducing friends and guests to the valley and wider region.

Why they chose this property

There is a kind of magic to the location for us, a second generation to own the property, succeeding many prior generations since the vaulted living room was built in the late 1400s followed by additions built two hundred years later and then in the 19th century. The view hasn't really changed since 1500. In 1963, at night, we could see seven lights; now we see fourteen.

What makes this property unique

The house and property are expansive enough so that in 2016 we hosted a retreat for a Scandinavian law firm, a wedding arrival party for 35, a birthday for 50. Sarah Brown is acknowledged as one of the best cooks in the region and for years has been catering small meals for tenants or larger meals for events and parties.