Country House With Ancient Terraced Garden In Bargemon, Var, Provence, France

La Peirégoué was originally a "cabanon" where villagers rested after tending their orchard and vegetable garden. The house was progressively enlarged to its present size but it has retained its bucolic charm. We bought it 35 years ago mainly for the beauty of its old terraced garden on a fairly steep incline. It features an olive orchard, fig and cherry trees, a magnificent secluded swimming-pool, a pétanque strip, fountains and plenty of tree-shaded areas to escape, rest and read. The house is on 3 levels with direct access to the main level including a large living-room with dining area, log fireplace, the spacious eat-in kitchen and a bathroom. In summer, meals are enjoyed in a sheltered area on the main courtyard shaded by acacia trees. The upper level consists of 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and a large terrace overlooking the valley. At pool level, there is a separate flat with a double bedroom, a single bedroom , each with arched French windows giving onto the garden, and a bathroom with a stand-up shower and toilet. This is a family home, very personal, with memorabilia, art and a warm, cosy atmosphere. 10mn walk away, Bargemon is a lovely and lively village, actually the liveliest in the area, offering all facilities (doctor, pharmacy, post-office, supermarket, property agencies, shops, museums, municipal tennis court and swimming pool, ATM) and seven restaurants. The village has several squares each with its fountain and shaded by tall plane trees. The main square, place Chauvier, is where villagers and tourists congregate the whole day long around a glass of wine or pastis to see everyone else and hear the latest gossips. Bargemon is ideally located between the sea and the first ski slopes, 50 minutes drive away. The Grand Canyon of the Verdon is close by as well as an infinite variety of spectacular landscapes, mountain lakes and hilltop villages. The area is famous for cycling , trekking, hang-gliding and sports two beautiful golf courses 30mn drive away. Côte de Provence vineyards and wineries are in close proximity. In summer Bargemon and the neighbouring villages organise cultural events and music festivals. The art museums in St Tropez, Antibes, St Paul de Vence and the like are only 1 hour drive away. Draguignan, the closest town, has a beautiful open market and a great Provencal arts and traditions museum.