Stay in your very own corner of Provençal paradise at this beautiful villa set in the forest, just a 40-minute drive of the French Riviera.
Take in the calming scenery around you as you head through the gates of Villa Dumas, surrounded by the aromas of pine trees and summer lavender. There are bursts of colour across the beautifully landscaped gardens alongside little stone walls, pretty steps and the most charming of terraces. Cook meals al-fresco by the plancha, dine with friends or family under the cast-iron pergola, then retire in the outdoor lounge with a glass of wine, perhaps from the vineyards of nearby Château de Berne.
The air-conditioned interiors offer both style and space with a living and dining area opening up to the elegant farmhouse kitchen with a Lacanche stove and other high-end appliances. The main villa is home to two double en suite bedrooms including a sumptuous master double with a contemporary walk-in shower, as well as a bunk-bed bedroom suitable for children. A studio annexe offers a third double bedroom with its own entrance, a great option for a couple or grandparents wanting a little extra independence.
Set in the woodland with other houses dotted across the neighbouring countryside, the nearby small town has a few charming restaurants and shops. It’s typically Provençal in character with authentic buildings, fountains and a wonderfully traditional market on a Tuesday morning.
Other delightful market towns and villages close by include Draguignan, Vidauban and Flayosc or drive further afield towards Aups, the gateway to the incredible Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon and its world famous gorges beyond. Find horse-riding nearby, canoeing and kayaking along the Argens river as well as so many cycling routes and hiking trails. Also look out for festivities, night markets and brocantes taking place across the Dracénie region in the summer months.
The French Riviera also awaits whether spending the day in historic Fréjus, sun-bathing on the shores of Saint-Raphaël, enjoying the beaches around Sainte-Maxime or soaking up the glamour of Saint-Tropez. You could even drive as far as Cannes, Antibes or Nice for a superb day out or stay closer to home and explore the mountain villages of the Massif des Maures before heading back to your wonderful woodland retreat.
Villa Dumas is located in the Dracénie region of the Var department, part of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and just outside a picturesque Provençal town.
The setting feels remote, with just a handful of other villas dotted across the forested surroundings, yet it is only a 5-minute drive to the heart of the local town. There’s an authentic ambience across the small town which is home to historic buildings, pretty fountains and characterful streets with a handful of restaurants, bars and shops. The traditional market takes place on a Tuesday morning, one of the largest in the Dracénie region, selling fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses and charcuterie as well as crafts, clothes and more. Gastronomes and wine lovers also note that Château de Berne is a short distance away whilst Chez Bruno, a Michelin starred restaurant specialising in truffles, is only ten minutes by car.
This is a wonderful area for exploring other historic market towns, idyllic perched villages and stunning landscapes, not just the surrounding olive groves, forests and vineyards but also the Maures mountains, the waterfalls at Cascade de Sillans and the Verdon Gorges - Aups, the gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, is only half an hour by car.
The bustling town of Draguignan (15km) has a twice-weekly market, art galleries and museums whilst nearby Vidauban (13km) is famed for its wine production and close proximity to the Argens river, ideal for canoeing, kayaking and all sorts of other adventurous activities close by. The medieval village of Flayosc (14km) is also a joy to explore with its charming Provençal ambience.
Further afield, head into the heart of the Massif des Maures and follow the winding roads through oak and chestnut forests to mountain villages such as La Garde-Freinet and Le Plan-de-la-Tour, perhaps continuing as far as the flower-filled village of Grimaud, set in the hills behind the glistening Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
The family friendly French Riviera resort of Sainte-Maxime is just under an hour by car, or a little further is Saint-Tropez and its famous Plage de Pampelonne and exclusive beach clubs.
Fréjus can be reached in around forty minutes, a beautiful historic town with a long sandy beach and plenty of attractions for everyone. Find more stunning shores in elegant Saint-Raphaël and some magnificent walking trails along the coastline towards Plage d'Agay. backed by the Massif de l'Esterel.
Cannes is just over an hour away by car, with Antibes and Nice a little further along the French Riviera coast. Perhaps combine with lunch out in flower-filled Mougins, where Picasso spent his final days, or instead visit one of the perfume studios of Grasse, around 86km away.
Golf-lovers can choose from a number of courses across this part of the Var department, including the incredible Golf de Roquebrune or high-end Golf de Barbaroux a little closer.
Villa Interiors (250m2)
- Living and dining area with doors leading out to terrace
- Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including Lacanche stove and high-end appliances including an espresso machine
- Master bedroom with double bed (180x200cm) and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with double bed (180x200cm) and small en suite bathroom with shower and WC
- Bathroom with shower and WC
- Children's bedroom with bunk-beds
Separate Studio (own entrance)
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
Outside Grounds (4500m2, various levels with steps and horizontal railings) - Heated swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.4-2m) with safety alarm and electrolysis pump for cleaning (partially salt-water). Open from approximately mid-April to beginning-October.
- Poolside terrace with sun-loungers
- Al-fresco lounge terrace
- Al-fresco covered dining terrace for up to 6 guests
- Gas plancha
- Other terraces amongst landscaped gardens
- Solar panels
- Fast speed charging point for electric vehicles (available at an extra cost)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi (Fibre high-speed internet)
- Air-conditioning
- Heating
- Solar panels
- Fast speed charging point for electric vehicles (available at an extra cost)
- Chromecast TV (with Netflix, Amazon Prime and BBC)
