Le Mas de la Rose

An old Provencal farmhouse beautifully restored in extensive grounds, with chic pool and super rooms, 10km from St Remy

This 17th-century farmhouse stands serenely in 28 hectares of trim lawns and thick woodland. Lavender scents the air in summer, there are loungers for sun worshipers, a tennis court for exercise freaks and a very attractive pool which sparkles in front of the house. As you sweep down the drive, you’ll think you’re approaching a small, exclusive hotel, but, incredibly, this is only a B&B. In short, it is grand and gracious, but without the staff.

Outside, stone walls drip with colour while separate terraces for breakfast and dinner ensure maximum sun whenever you eat. Inside, an uncluttered elegance runs throughout. There are stone arches, a vaulted sitting room, open fires, huge sofas, painted beams and an honesty bar. Rooms are scattered about (some with terraces), the more expensive quite spectacular, though the smaller rooms are lovely, too. Pull yourself away and discover St Remy, Avignon, Arles, Nimes; all are close. There’s a Michelin star at the village bistro, so don’t come to diet.

Highs

• This lovely old house, which sits elegantly in its 28 acres of lawns and woodland
• Gorgeous bedrooms that spoil you all the way
• The pool, with comfy loungers scattered all over the garden
• The Alpilles Hills which encircle you, where Van Gogh painted his olive trees
• The unmissable Cathedrale d’Images at Les Baux – don’t miss this

Lows

• The house appears to be a small, luxurious hotel, and in many ways (not least price) it is; but it’s only a B&B and you don’t get the sort of service you might expect from a hotel
• Breakfast will set you back a small fortune
• Bear in mind that dinner is only available in high season or at weekends in mid-season