Why we are different.: It is the setting that makes this house truly remarkable. We are close to our local hill villages, shops and supermarkets, and only half an hour from the coast. However, once you arrive you are in your own private paradise.
It is secluded and there are no close neighbours - and because of our position on a hill no one overlooks us. This is not easy to find in an area which is more and more sought after because of its beauty and stunning scenery.
The amount of land here protects you from the outside world, and gives children lots of space to explore without them having to leave the property. The land could be described as wooded parkland, and has a variety of indigenous trees.
There are interesting walks and stone walls, making it a wonderful spot to walk or do your early morning 'constitutional' before having breakfast on the terrace. To awaken each morning to the stunning views of the mountains lifts the spirits for the rest of the day.
The house: You follow the long driveway through natural woodland and finally arrive at the fountain and fishpond outside the house. The amount of land here is a protection from the outside world. This unique hilltop position, a registered bird sanctuary, ensures total privacy.
Access is very easy (not one of those tortuous steep approaches which so often go with a view) and ample easy parking. It is a nature lover’s paradise with the variety of different trees, such as olive, fig, mimosa, oak, pines, and an abundance of wild herbs. The therapeutic smell of the pines, lavender, wild thyme and marjoram, combined with the music of the cicadas and occasional golden oriole during the day, and the tree frogs and scope owl in the evenings, make this a truly magical place.
The area: Having been to a lot of places on holidays in the past, we think this takes some beating! Fayence is set back from the coast and thus avoids the traffic and crowds, but is within easy reach if you do have the urge to visit (Cannes, Frejus 30 mins, Nice 50 mins, Italy hrs, Gorge de Verdun 2hrs)
But there is plenty to occupy you here. There is outstanding scenery with olive groves, vineyards, local gorges and rivers, and the surrounding hills change their aspect with the time of day and the weather – usually with varying shades of blue as they recede into the distance. There are 7 hill villages in the vicinity and each one holds free events, concerts and 'balls' throughout the summer. Sometimes its difficult to decide which one to go to
Fayence has a population of over 4,000, and hence is well provided with shops of all descriptions. It also has markets on 3 mornings a week. Markets are also held in the other villages, and at Le Muy there is a huge market every Sunday morning.
