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"IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE

Photo gallery for "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE

A swimming pool with lounge chairs, a coffee pot, and cups on a table.
A garden with various plants and flowers, a stone wall, and a grassy area.
A stone building with a garden in front, featuring blooming flowers and a pergola.
A window view of a lush landscape with trees and a distant village.
An outdoor dining area with a stone floor, a long table with chairs, and a pergola overhead.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Garage parking available
    Enjoy the convenience of garage parking - a rare offering in the area.
  • Walkable and wonderful
    Guests love the walkable location for its easy access on foot.
8 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Private pool
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchenette
  • Toys
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Seillans, Var
  • Place, Chapelle Saint Michel
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Lac de Saint-Cassien
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Terre Blanche Golf Course
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nice (NCE-Cote d'Azur)
    ‪100 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Child's bedroom, top floor

1 Single Bed

Guest (ground floor)

1 Single Bed

Guest (middle floor)

1 Double Bed

Guest (middle floor)

1 Queen Bed

Guest (middle floor)

1 Queen Bed

Guesthouse Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Guesthouse Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Master (top floor)

1 King Bed

5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Ground floor bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Guesthouse bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Guesthouse Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Master bedroom

Shower only

Middle bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Top floor landing

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

"IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE

This house and guesthouse are new to VRBO but have been advertised on other sites (see www.provencemagique.com for reviews and details) and rented continuously since 1993. Both properties are always rented together. Over nearly 30 years, the properties have been constantly upgraded attracting many very positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Secluded and set in several acres of its own land, the 200 year-old farmhouse is a short walk to medieval Seillans, one of the 134 "prettiest villages of France”, where Max Ernst once lived with Dorothea Tanning (there’s a sculpture of his in the village), and Bruce Chatwin died in the château, which then belonged to Shirley Conran.

A perennial stream, which powered the original mill, flows below the house, alongside the newly (2023) refurbished guest house ('Cabanon') featuring original windows by one-time owner American sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe, (best known for designing the BAFTA trophy!).

The whole property (elevation: 500 m.) slopes towards the village affording stunning views from the house and the pool.

FARMHOUSE. The main house can sleep 11 people in 6 bedrooms. It has a large dining/sitting room, a well-equipped kitchen, three full bathrooms and a shower-room with WC. The kitchen has a new cooker, washing-machine and dish washer, and a shelf full of cookery books to inspire you.

TV is available. The bedroom on the top floor is a living space in itself with air-conditioning. Apart from a large double-bed, it has its own marble bathroom with basin in one corner, and a huge bookcase full of the sort of books you might want to read by the pool or even in the bath. The master bedroom also has direct access to the garden. A smaller single bedroom suitable for a child or infant is just across the landing, and there is an adjoining shower-room with WC.

On the middle floor, there are two other double bedrooms (with en-suite bathroom) and a smaller bedroom with double-bed. These bedrooms also have direct access to the garden. On the ground floor, which has the kitchen and dining-drawing room, there is a further small bedroom with en-suite full bathroom. The house is fully furnished with antique furniture throughout - no IKEA here! - and there is eclectic art on the walls. Fine bed linen and towels are provided. 

GUESTHOUSE. Just below the farmhouse is the refurbished guesthouse with two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchenette. The guesthouse is air-conditioned.

Near both houses there are lots of spaces for meals, and many recreational (and romantic!) spots. There is a 5 X 12-metre oval pool with large stone surround, and a Raj tent for when the sun gets too hot. There are two portable ping-pong tables available.

There are two large patios with huge tables, perfect for long alfresco lunches and dinners, and there is a Weber barbecue. The garden is made up of walled terraces, oleander and rose bushes, groves of fruit trees (olives, cherries, figs, apples, pears, plums, hazel-nuts, walnuts), and a very large paddock. The property offers a rare combination of total seclusion, but short, easy and car-free access to the village along one of the paths through the grounds.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 10959986
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Seillans

Located in Seillans, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Terre Blanche Golf Course and Grotte de Pâques are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lac de Saint-Cassien and Pennafort Gorges Waterfall. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking, cycling and hiking nearby.
Map
Seillans, Var

What's nearby

  • Chapelle Saint Michel - 17 min drive - 16.0 km
  • Lac de Saint-Cassien - 17 min drive - 18.4 km
  • Terre Blanche Golf Course - 18 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Blavet Gorges - 29 min drive - 28.9 km
  • Esterel Massif - 36 min drive - 34.0 km

Getting around

  • Mandelieu-la-Napoule Station - 35 min drive
  • Nice (NCE-Cote d'Azur) - 72 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪L'Estanco - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪La Pause Tourrettane - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪L'Entracte - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Scarpetta restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Bar des Campagnes - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE?

As of 25 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE on 1 Oct 2026 start from AU$2,755, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is "IDYLLIC RETREAT" FARMHOUSE, GUESTHOUSE, HUGE GARDEN, POOL, CLOSE TO VILLAGE located?

Located on a river, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Terre Blanche Golf Course, Lac de Saint-Cassien and Chapelle Saint Michel. Chapelle Saint-Barthélémy and Office de Tourisme are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

8.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous property, as advertised. Everything was amazing except for a few days the water in the pool was cloudy, but after communicating with Faye, she called the pool technician and the problem was resolved.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent property and location

The property was lovely and full of original features and sitting on a large land plot. It was very close to a beautiful provincial town.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house and grounds are amazing and set in a stunning part of France. It was a joy to wake up there every day.The kitchen had all that we needed and there was even a piano in the lounge.The fact that you can walk directly from the house to the village was a huge bonus.We loved every minute of our stay. Thanks
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Retreat

We found La Bastide to outshine any expectations. In summary: authentic historic property (as rustic as you could get!); spacious living quarters and massive, accommodating outside spaces; a sense of entire privacy within the grounds; stunning views (in particular while lazing about the wonderful pool); remote enough, nestled in the hills above the charming village - a 20 min walk to amenities. The owner/staff were particularly helpful & reassuring (by text or in person, however needed) throughout our stay. Absolute 10/10 gem. We found the local folk to be most welcoming and kindhearted towards us English visitors.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Beautiful location, advertising not accurate

Overall, the house needs some attention but has a ton of potential and is a charming house. We had quite a few bumps that the manager helped us with and we still enjoyed our time! Positives: Beautiful location Charming house Pool was fantastic Property manager was responsive and helpful Top floor air conditioner was great. It was generally clean Negatives: The online description mentions the guesthouse as a refurbished cottage with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We chose this place partly because it had that extra space and fit our needs. However, when we arrived, it was still being renovated, and not ready. We spoke with the owner and the manager who secured a cleaner for the cottage the next day and we made it work. However the bathroom toilet broke and flooded, and one of the air conditioner units leaked. To the credit of the manager, it was promptly fixed. It will be a great cottage but wasn’t ready and the advertising is inaccurate and misleading. Additionally, there was a leak in the kitchen, there was some kind of bugs in one of the rooms that chewed up a couple of us (manager was shocked and so hopefully will be remedied quickly)and the sink in the top floor clogged. One of the single bedrooms was so small there was nowhere to put a suitcase and it was very hot, so be prepared if all the rooms will Be used. There were fans in every room that helped. Cooking pots and dish ware was not quite enough or big enough for the amount of people the house sleeps.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
When Lara's large group arrived we managed to quickly fix all the teething problems in the newly-refurbished two-bed two-bath airconditioned annex. Thanks for coming Lara!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
La maison, la piscine, le cadre aux alentours étaient magnifiques. Nous avons juste eu un problème avec un climatiseur qui coulait et un autre qui ne fonctionnait pas vraiment efficacement. Une entreprise est venue réparé 2 jours après mais l'un des 2 ne fonctionnait pas vraiment bien quand même... Cela n'a pas gâché notre séjour car les 2 chambres du cabanon étaient quand même fraîches. Je recommande vivement cet endroit !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Tolle Famiöienferien

Ein schöner, erholsamer Urlaub
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely idyllic Provençal retreat

We had a fabulous two weeks staying at la Bastide, the house is truly unique and enchanting - the boys kept saying that it's like we were in the Durrels! A brilliant-sized swimming pool which is rare for the south of France meant that all of our 4 sixteen-year-olds could float around without annoying each other, quirky and homely bedrooms made everyone feel instantly at home and we dined like royalty n the terrace every night helped immeasurably by homemade fig tart made from figs from the garden. Also a fabulous selection of books! Faye the house manager was wonderful a nd couldn't have been more helpful. Sucha charming welcome and presence all round. Wonderfully easy walk to the village, well equipped and absolutely tranquil. private and peaceful. A definite must for any big family. Thank you! we'll definitely be back
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Stephen and Frédérique Browne

Host profile image
The family have owned these properties since 1996. Over the years we have progressively upgraded the house and garden to a high standard of taste and comfort.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with the house after renting it in the summers of 1992 and 1993. It belonged to a well-known sculptress (designer of the BAFTA award trophy) and has a unique location close to the historic village. We were able to buy it in 1996 and it has been let every year since.

What makes this property unique

The main house offers total seclusion, is a short 1 km walk to the village and amenities and is surrounded by 150 olive trees on picturesque terraces ("restanques").

Five published books were written in part or in full in the hose, which has also been featured in international press and magazines. One writer visiting in 2017 called it Paradise. Apart from published authors, we have had politicians, judges, actors and journalists staying at our properties. They liked the simplicity, tranquility and anonymity.

Languages:

English, French
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