Undoubtedly one of the finest quality restorations we've found on our travels in the South of France, Villa Jolivet is a 600 year old farmhouse saved from ruin, and reborn as a glorious fusion of modern luxury and rural tradition.
After years of tireless dedication from the previous owners, this villa today offers all the mod cons and unique touches you could ever desire from a five star retreat. Stepping through the heavy wooden front doors you enter a large hall with it's own olive tree blooming up from the tiled floor. Across the kitchen, living and dining areas high stone or vaulted ceilings contrast exquisitely with the tasteful modern furnishings, and provide a constant reminder of the history that surrounds.
Villa Jolivet sits on 40,000 square metres of private land in the verdant Languedoc countryside, conveniently located in seductive Vézénobres, between the Roman city of Nimes and the medieval stronghold of Uzes.
For exhilarating excursions in the surrounding wilderness, there are four mountain bikes and two Quads for guests to use.
Among the vast array of immaculately finished rooms, a few that stood out included the library with its fascinating collection of wise, old books, and grand stone fireplace. Then there's stylish cocktail room leading out to the garden, the cosy cinema room, and a well equipped modern gym that still manages to maintain the character of the building with the climbing wall built into the original stone.
Moving outside you are met with a breathtaking triumph of landscaping, as the long swimming pool stretches out before you, providing the focal point in a fully equipped garden of neat patios, lawns and rows of trees. Guests also have access to such outdoor luxuries as tennis and petanque courts, and a sheltered summer kitchen/lounge area with large custom BBQ.
Villa Jolivet is a truly special villa rental, where no matter the size of your group there will be something for everyone. Why not book a stay now, and come find out what you'll love most about this one of a kind destination!
Features:
Main House Interiors
Main Floor (with steps)
- Large entrance hall (70m2) with mezzanine level, billiard table and doors leading to garden
- Reception room (40m2) with vaulted ceiling, fireplace and 4m long electrical water fountain
- Contemporary kitchen (48m2) with vaulted ceiling, well-equipped including Smeg oven, two fridges, freezer, two dishwashers and large doors leading to garden
- Pantry-style room (10m2) with microwave, blender and fondue set
- Morning tea room (8m2, walk-through room) with armchairs
- Cocktail room (25m2) with stairs to upper floor and doors leading to garden
- Dining room (25m2) with vaulted ceiling, table for up to 18 guests and access to wine cellar
- Children’s dining room (20m2) with vaulted ceiling, round table (6-8 guests) and door to garden
- Wine cellar
- WC (near entrance hall)
- Laundry room and drying closet
- Library (40m2) with ancient books, fireplace, bridge table and games
- WC (near library)
- TV lounge (24m2) with 50” Smart TV, surround sound, DVD/CD player and iPhone dock
- Suite 1. Bedroom (16m2) with double bed (180x200cm), dressing area and door to garden. Bedroom (10m2) with twin beds (80x200cm each). Lounge (18m2) with sofa-bed (150x200cm), TV, kitchenette and bathroom with two showers, two sinks and WC
- Suite 2. Bedroom (25m2) with ‘floating’ double bed (210x210cm) and dressing area. Adjoining bedroom (10m2) with single bed and bathroom with two showers, large sink and separate WC
Upper Floor
- Large living room (85m2) with grand fireplace, window overlooking reception room below and mezzanine level (via spiral staircase) with library and ancient books
- Children’s play room (30m2) with safety gate (and steps below)
- Bedroom (28m2) with double bed (160x200cm) made up with twin covers (100x200cm each), TV, DVD player and mezzanine level (11m2) via ladder with two mattresses. Doors lead to garden (via stairs). Dressing area and bathroom with shower and double sink
- Bedroom (24m2) with double bed (160x200cm) made up with twin covers (100x200cm each), TV and mezzanine level (9m2) via ladder with two mattresses. Bathroom with shower and sink
- Bedroom (25m2) with double bed (160x200cm) made up with twin covers (100x200cm each), TV, large dressing area and open-plan bathroom (within bedroom) with bath/shower and double sink
- Bedroom (18m2) with double bed (160x200cm) made up with twin covers (100x200cm each), TV and modern bathroom with shower and an old vase as a sink
- Master bedroom (45m2) with Italian double bed (170x200cm), large dressing area, TV and DVD player, office equipment, safe, and mezzanine level (18m2) above bathroom with beds (on request). Large bathroom with bath tub for 2 and large shower
Up to four additional guests can stay on the mattresses on the mezzanine levels (via ladders), on request only and subject to an extra cost – please enquire.
Annexe/Cottage (ideal for staff, nanny, chauffeur etc)
- Bedroom (15m2) with double bed (140x200cm) made up with twin covers (100x200cm each), TV/DVD player and small bathroom with built-in shower and stone sink
Outside Grounds (40,000m2, fenced)
- Swimming pool (7mx25m, max depth: 1.55m) with perimeter alarm
- Poolside terrace with eight sun loungers (100x210cm each), four large parasols, eight single sun beds and four ‘fatboy’ sunbeds. Large sail with small tables and chairs
- 6-person jacuzzi (35-40 degrees)
- Pool house (6m2) with small kitchen (two fridges, dishwasher)
- Fitness room (25m) overlooking pool with equipped gym, TV and rock-climbing wall for children. Bathroom with two showers, WC, sink and glass sauna
- Summer kitchen (45m2), partly open with three walls, overlooking swimming pool and boules court, with lounge, TV, wooden table (18 guests), fireplace, kitchen (Smeg top, dishwasher, fridge), gas barbecue and pizza/bread oven
- Tennis court (béton poreux) lighting and elevated spectator area with two pergola shades
- Boules court
- 3m trampoline
- Golf house (storage/laundry space for staff use only)
- Garden lawns (5000m2), small wood and paths (all fenced with lighting)
- Water fountains
- Fruit trees
- Covered parking (8 cars)
- Further outdoor parking (up to 20 cars)
- Reception hall (for events) overlooking swimming pool
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (upper floor bedrooms and Maisonette, some are portable units)
- Heated floors (certain parts of the house)
- TVs (some bedrooms and Smart TV in lounge)
- CD/DVD player and DVDs for all ages
- iPhone dock
- Library (including ancient books)
- Games (cards, chess, backgammon etc)
- Billiard table
- Gym
- Rock-climbing wall
- Playroom with toys for children
- Glass sauna
- Motion alarm
- Bikes (x4) and quads (x2) – not available for events
- Washing machine (x2) and dryer (x2)
Location:
Villa Jolivet is located in the Gard department of southern France, just 7km north-east of Alès, the gateway to the Cévennes National Park. If not driving, fly into Nîmes Airport (60km), Avignon Airport (83km) or arrive via train into Alès (half an hour by train from Nîmes which has TGV arrivals from Paris).
The nearest village is 1.5km away (you could walk down the country lanes in around 30 minutes) where there is a pharmacy, épicerie (grocery store) and a pizzeria just on the edge of the village set within an attractive park. There is a large supermarket just a little further, before reaching Alès (7km), the second largest town in the Gard department.
The old Roman city of Nîmes (50km) is only 40 minutes by car. Often referrred to as the French Rome, Nimes is as a must see for those with an interest in history. Countless incredibly well preserved relics remain from the Roman Empire, including the Roman temple of Maison Carrée and of course the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in France dating back to the 1st or 2nd century AD. Pont du Gard (50km) is another highlight of the region, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Around 30 minutes away by car, at the source of the Eure, lies the medieval commune of Uzès (36km). The 11th century Tour Fenestrelle is a 42 metre high Romanesque tower that is the definitive landmark, and a must see on a trip to Uzès. The Saturday night market is also famous across the region, selling locally produced food, clothing and plenty of touristy delights.
Terms & Conditions:
Security deposit?
25% of rental charged to client’s credit card by the owner and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.
Arrival time?
5.00 p.m.
Departure time?
10.00 a.m.
Energy costs included?
Yes.
Heating costs included?
Yes.
End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Linen & towels included?
Yes. Changed weekly unless agreed otherwise.
Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner.
Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.
Changeover day?
Saturday during high season. Wednesday during low season.
Minimum stay?
7 nights. All other durations on request.
Pool towels included?
Yes.
Pool opening dates?
Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.
Tax?
French Visitors Tax is included.
Other Ts and Cs?
Air-conditioning is featured in the upper floor bedrooms and in the cottage/annexe only.
Pets - allowed
Smoking - not allowed
