Light and Spacious Holiday Home with Private Pool Near Montelimar, Drome

Rural without feeling remote, this converted stone-built gite set in an acre of gardens offers a haven of relaxation. Views from the pool area are simply stunning. A host of vineyards, medieval villages and outdoor activities are close at hand.

Accommodation:
Our gite adroitly blends old and new. As you approach from your own private entrance and parking area, you are greeted by a traditional farm style house - built from local fieldstone - beneath a provencal tiled roof.

Inside, the feel is more contemporary. The upper storey offers an immense airy living area with exposed beams in skipping-stone grey. It has a state-of-the-art kitchen at one end (with induction hob, fridge, microwave and oven), breakfast bar and dining area. Beyond this is the spacious lounge, equipped with log-fire, TV and wi-fi, with expansive views across fields of lavender to the Alps in the distance.

From the lounge step through french windows onto a generous sun-drenched patio with BBQ. Adjoining the kitchen area is a cloakroom with toilet, sink, freezer and washing machine. Stairs descend to two wonderfully cool ensuite bedrooms: each has its own douche Italienne (wet-room) bathroom and french doors opening onto a small patio.

We love the simplicity and spaciousness of this house and gardens. Full of character yet with up to date facilities, this is the perfect place for friends and/or family to relax in comfort and privacy. With four daughters and a growing number of grandchildren, it is here that we meet up annually as a family. Having soaked up the sun by the pool, a long dinner with local wine on the patio beneath the star-studded night sky is a great way to chill out.
The house is well placed to explore a wealth of historic and gastronomic delights: the ancient Roman cities of Avignon, Orange and Nimes; the local markets of Dieulefit, Nyons and Vaison la Romaine as well as numerous medieval towns like Poet Laval and Grignon; and a host of quality restaurants and local vineyards.

Location
For the active minded, local activities abound: mountain hiking and birdwatching in the forest of Saou, kayaking on the Drome and Ardeche rivers, cycling (two adult touring bicycles provided); a canopy trail/adventure centre in Marsanne; tennis at local village of Charols; and first class golf at Golf de la Valdaine.

Gardens and pool
Originally adjoining a tractor barn belonging to the farm on the other side of the road, the house is now a totally self-contained property, set into a gently sloping plot of about one acre. Around the main house, the garden is landscaped, with mature trees, raised flower beds, and stone walls.

From the gardens shallow stone steps rise through an archway in the hedge, to the secluded swimming pool. The pool is 11 metres by 5 metres, with steps for toddlers at one end and deep enough to dive the other. The pool area is entirely private and not overlooked, except by fields! It is landscaped with shrubs and a small pool house; wooden sun-loungers are available for guests. Beyond this we are beginning to plant further shrubs and trees. Given its elevated position you can take in views of up to 40 miles on a clear day, across to the Ardeche to the west and the Alps to the east. The location is truly breathtaking.

Owners' studio
Adjoining the house, but completely separate with its own patio, entrance gate and car parking is the converted tractor barn for use of the owners. April and Chris tend to be around in April and for periods in July-Sept. We are very glad to offer guidance on local sights and restaurants and answer any questions you may have but we will be non-intrusive and will respect your privacy.