Mas De L'Estragon

Mas de L'Estragon is an exceptional stone manor house sitting on 70 acres of land located in the heart of Provence, between the villages of Gordes and Murs in Southeastern Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur – well known for its charming countryside, rolling hills and colourful market towns.

This stunning home was built on the foundations of one of the buildings that used to belong to the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey - a former Cistercian monastery that it is now a place visited by tourists for its blooming lavender gardens. The expansive property is surrounded by 70 acres of unspoiled forest, pungent fields and fruit and almond groves, ideal for those who love to unwind in picturesque settings and forget the sense of time. Luckily, the breathtaking views of uninterrupted forests and Mount Sainte-Victoire can be observed from multiple vantage points, including the main tower.

This eight-bedroom, seven-bathroom home sleeps up to 16 guests – in rooms that are modern with bleached wood and simple fabrics, while others have oak wood furniture and paintings encrusted in gold frames. The farmhouse-style kitchen offers all the equipment to make your stay feel like never leaving the comforts of your own home, designed for preparing a tasty dish from ingredients sourced at local markets and enjoying it in the dining room or on the outdoor terrace. The two living rooms or TV room are the places for the entire household to gather in the evenings with a glass of wine or hot chocolate, while the gym will keep you fit and guilt-free on your holiday.

The path to the house is truly enchanting – the main road takes you onto a private garden drive where you descend into a small valley, passing a 500-year-old oak tree standing tall and proud, before reaching the majestic home, made from honey-coloured Provençal stone. From the central round tower, two large wings open to welcome you into an atmosphere of elegant serenity. The expansive lawn is full of trees, bushes, and flower beds, offering plenty of shade as well as enough space for exploring. From the back terrace, you have a perfect view of the pool, built with natural stone around and descending steps for easy access. With such a lush backdrop, it’s almost effortless to spend an entire day lazing around the house – whether you’re dining al-fresco late into the balmy evenings on the large terrace area, cooling off on hot afternoons in the enticing swimming pool or exploring every nook and cranny of the enchanting property.

Should you tire of relaxing, the nearby village of Gordes (5km) has all the local amenities you need for a comfortable stay, such as authentic cafés and restaurants, winding streets, cute little shops, and a weekday market selling everything from lavender products and artisanal cheeses to traditional souvenirs.

The other village, Murs (4km) is set among the vineyards, orchards and cherry trees of the Côtes du Ventoux, a famous wine-making area. Here you can taste the local vintages and new grapes in ambient French bistros and wine bars and admire the centuries-old architecture.

Larger cities such as Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are also a driving distance away, and each is brimming with sightseeing opportunities, an upscale dining scene and fun attractions. Notably, Avignon has numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites that will keep you occupied studying French history and culture, while Aix-en Provence is full of lush parks and museums.