L'Ancienne Poste

An old house in this pretty village with huge views and contemporary interiors – perfect for families and friends (sleeps 10)

Menerbes is a dazzling hilltop village with huge views that stretch out over quilted fields to the distant mountains of the Vaucluse. This 17th-century house (once a post office) makes a great base for families who want to look after themselves. It occupies a prime position on the frontline – every bedroom and bathroom has the view – and its renovated interiors come in a fresh, contemporary style. Expect colour-mixed concrete floors, whitewashed walls, an excellent kitchen, a small roof terrace and eclectic art all over the place. A wall of glass in the sitting room opens onto an impressive courtyard that is built into the side of a rock face. There’s even a pool nearby that comes with the house.

Five uncluttered bedrooms are simply furnished with coir matting, good beds, white walls and pretty bathrooms. Kids get their own playroom (TV, DVD player); adults get a mezzanine office (computer, internet access). The Luberon waits at the bottom of the hill: there are wineries, markets, hills to climb.

Highs

• The position on the side of the hill with vast views of the Luberon
• The cool courtyard, built into the side of a cliff
• This is a big airy house and would make a great base for families and friends
• Menerbes itself, where Peter Mayle lived when he wrote A Year in Provence
• The area is very pretty and stuffed with vineyards and hilltop villages

Lows

• There’s a nearby pool for guests’ use, but it’s not at the property
• A village lane runs directly outside the house. There could be some noise in high season and young children will need supervision