La Maison du Puits
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About the home
Located in a Provencal village between Avignon and Arles, the house dates back to the 14th century. It is our second home and is situated just within the ramparts of an old fortified chateaux and about 100 metres from the village square. Part of the structure contains the communal well and washing sinks for the old fortified town, hence the name ‘La Maison du Puits’ or ‘The Well House’. The house floor area is 120sq meters on 3 floors and was totally renovated in 1999 by a local stone mason. It has 3 bedrooms, (two doubles and one twin) and two bathrooms, one en suite. A bed settee in the lounge means it can sleep up to 8.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 8, 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Camargue), 62km |
| Will consider: | House swaps |
| Access: | Car advised |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | No pets allowed No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | Central heating, TV, CD player, Satellite TV |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms of which 1 family bathroom and 1 en suite |
| Furniture: | Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 6 |
| Other: | Please check with the advertiser regarding linen and towels |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, BBQ, Bicycles available |
Further details indoors:
The house is well furnished with a mixture of traditional French and modern furniture. Facilities include cooker, microwave, toaster, slow cooker, hand mixer, 2 fridges, dishwasher, washing machine, barbecue, hair dryers plus 4 bikes.
For entertainment there is Satellite TV and a CD player plus a well stocked bookshelf.
Whilst there is no internet access in the house there is free access at the Bibliotheque about 30m from the house. Also free wifi access in the Cafe du Commerce (about 300m)
The house has a wood burning stove in the lounge and electric heaters in each room. If you intend to use the wood burning stove we can lay on a supply of logs at a charge to you of about £40/ square meter. This should last about 1 week running continuously.
Electricity and water are included.
Further details outdoors:
THE TERRACE
Our favourite location is the terrace which is very secluded and gets sun in the afternoon. It is ideal for all meals in the summer and has an open barbecue. It has an outdoor cold shower for cooling off whilst sunbathing.
PARKING
Because of the unique location in the old streets of Boulbon the nearest vehicle access is about 20m from the house where there is room for temporary parking to unload. There is a free car park some 150m away. (The latter was closed last time we visited but there are 2 other free car parks with within about 250m). Street parking is also free.
Further details
LINEN AND CLEANING
Guests are asked to bring their own bed linen, towels and tea towels and to leave the house as they would wish to find it. We understand that linen etc. may be a problem for people travelling long haul and on extended vacation. In such cases we can make exceptional arrangements. Please ask. We visit the house regularly and arrange deep cleaning each time.
No pets or smoking inside please.
Photos
The Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur / Bouches-du-Rhone region
The Bouches du Rhone region has a warm mediterranian climate in summer with daytime temperatures in the 30's. It was the clear blue skys and the unique light which attracted Vincent Van Gough to the area in 1888. Winters are often sunny with clear blue skies but can be very cold when the north 'mistral' wind blows. The area is steeped in Roman history and was originally named by the Romans as Provencia. Famous Roman landmarks are the arenas at Arles and Nimes and the Pont du Gard aqueduct. The area has a strong influence from the Camargue with 'abrivado' and 'course carmagaise' in many towns and villages.
The Boulbon area
The town of Boulbon (population 1600) is steeped in history and was first mentioned in the history books in the 11th century.
It lies some 16 kilometres south west of Avignon and close to many well known provencal landmarks such as St Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, Nîmes and Arles. To the west lies the Rhône plain, ideal for cycling, and to the east the hills of La Montagnette with marvellous walks and mountain bike tracks.
Mediterranean coastal resorts such as Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are about an hours drive. The nature reserves of the Camargue are about half an hour as is the famous Roman aqueduct, ‘Pont du Gard’
The town offers the following shopping facilities;
- Mini Supermarket
- Baker
- Butcher
- Chemist
- Winebar
- Hotel/Restaurant, La Bastide du Boulbon
- Bar/Lunchtime Restaurant, Cafe du Commerce
- Tabac
Other nearby restaurants are about 4 kilometres away on the road to Avignon.
The town has many fêtes and festivals the most promenant of which are;
Bénédiction des Bouteilles on 1st June each year. All men from the town are presented with a bottle of fortified wine which they take to church in procession to be blessed. The blessed wine is then used by the family throughout the year as an ailment remedy.
The Fête de la St Eloi on the last weekend in August. This starts with a church service in Provencal followed by a parade which includes a chariot pulled by 18 horsed at a canter thoughout the town. A formal lunch is served in the town square followed later by bull running in the streets (abravado) and dancing in the square.
The Fête du Club Taurin is in the last weekend of September. It is organised by the local bull club and includes young men taunting bulls with the aim of removing ribbons from their horns (course carmagaise) and bull running in the street (abravado)
The town has municipal tennis and boules courts and rackets, tennis balls and boules are available for the use of quests.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Avignon: 15 km |
| Railway: | Avignon TGV: 14 km |
| Ferry: | Le Havre: 923 km |
Fly Flybe from Southampton or Exeter to Avignon (Summer only) (15km)
Fly Ryanair from Luton, East Midlands or Liverpool to Nimes (35km)
Fly Ryanair from Bournemouth to Marseilles (97km)
Fly Easyjet from Gatwick or Bristol to Marseilles (97km)
Fly British Airways from Gatwick to Marseilles (97km)
Eurostar from St Pancras to Avignon direct (Summer only) (16km)
Eurostar/TGV from St Pancras to Avignon, change at Lille. (16km)
Eurostar/TGV St Pancras change at Lille to Avignon (14km)
Hire cars are available from all the above destinations and we use www.holidayautos.com to book.
Activities near Boulbon
Tennis in town
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 11 Oct 2011 |
We thoroughly enjoyed our week in this delightful home.Our breakfasts and evening meals on the terrace were highlights of our days spent exploring Provence. The owners have done an amazing job in... more |
13 Aug 2011 |
We loved our week at "Maison du Puits". The owners have taken such care with their house and have the most wonderfully stocked kitchen! The location is superb, situated in the shadow of a 12th century chateau, and the village shops very close-by (excellent bakery). There is also wonderful walking and hiking in the hills nearby. |
03 Jun 2011 |
The owner, Les, was a pleasure with whom to correspond and from whom to lease. Les and his wife, Margaret, have put a lot of care into decorating their home and making it comfortable. We were sorry... more |
Guestbook for La Maison du Puits
The following are extracts from the visitor book which is kept in the house.
27th March to 3rd April 2010
Les and Margaret. We loved your house, the village and environs. We had a wonderful stay in your well equipped house. We would love to stay longer next time. One week was not enough.
Jane Fenno-Vaux, Maine USA.
17th April to 1st May 2010
After a short delay (Icelandic ash) we were so pleased to be back. Lovely village - friendly locals and excellent bread. Excellent flora and fauna. Try to catch sight of the 3 (wild) goats up at the top of the Chateaux. Thanks you Margaret and Les.
Mike and Sue White, Dorset
1st to 8th May 2010
Les and Margaret. Thank you for a wonderful stay in your beautiful house in Boulbon. We really enjoyed exploring the area during the day (on great bikes) and sitting back drinking some lovely reds, listening to the classical music collection at night! You have obviously put a lot of love into the house and we will take a lot of special moments of our time in Provence with us. Thanks again.
Kate and Anthony, London UK
9th to 17th July 2010
What a fantastic renovation. I am sure a lot went into it. We have really enjoyed our stay in Boulbon, canoeing along the Gardon, 14th watching fireworks in Avignon and of course good food and wine. Thank you for sharing your home.
Tania, Julian & Lewis Parker, Aberdeen
31st July to 4th August 2010
A charming house and a perfect place to revisit Boulbon. Every need catered for - bike rides, walks, wonderful meals on the terrace. Thanks so much.
Stephanie Hoban, Indonesia
19th to 24th September 2010
A truly Provencal experience. Your home is beautiful! Awaking to the church bells, shopping for dinner at the local butcher, grocer and baker - the friendly locals - the amazing drives, to the coast, the hills, chateaux. A wonderful place to relax after touring Europe, with a glass of local wine watching the sun go down.
Peter and Julie, Australia
25th September to 2nd October 2010
Wonderful stay, thoroughly recommend the hotel restaurant (La Bastide du Boulbon). Enjoyed visiting local sites - recommend Pont du Gard, Gorge du Verdon, Roussillon and a visit to Barbentane ..... Avignon, Arles all not to be missed. Loved the patisseries and charcouteries. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.
Bichen family. New Zealand
2nd to 6th October 2010
Thanks for a lovely experience! We loved the terrace and soaked up the atmosphere in and around the house and the town. We especially loved St Remy and the wonderful scenery of the Luberons. Thank you so much.
Minmaars from England and South Africa.
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 8 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| January/April | 7 Jan 12 | 28 Apr 12 | £ 415 | 74 | 74 | 4 Nights |
| May/June | 28 Apr 12 | 30 Jun 12 | £ 550 | 95 | 95 | 4 Nights |
| July/August | 30 Jun 12 | 1 Sep 12 | £ 625 | 105 | 105 | 4 Nights |
| September/October | 1 Sep 12 | 3 Nov 12 | £ 550 | 95 | 95 | 4 Nights |
| November/December | 3 Nov 12 | 22 Dec 12 | £ 415 | 74 | 74 | 4 Nights |
| Christmas/New Year | 22 Dec 12 | 5 Jan 13 | £ 495 | 84 | 84 | 4 Nights |
The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
A good will deposit of £100 is required to make a reservation and the full amount is to be paid 4 weeks before the start of the rental. The deposit will be returned subject to a satisfactory inventory check on leaving. There will be no deductions for minor losses or breakages but please let us know so items can be replaced.
Payment is required in £UK by cheque, bank transfer or PayPal prior to us sending keys to you.
Whilst the house sleeps 6 to 8 we offer a 10% reduction for couples who wish to visit.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 4 years listed You are contacting Les And Margaret Sherry
Languages spoken   The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This house has received 4 reviews from previous guests.  |
