Even travel writers have holidays and contrary to popular opinion, actually pay for them. So it is as a paying customer that I can share with you my most favourable experience of this exceptional villa.
The house stands in Roquefort-les-Pins, a series of hamlets on the wooded slopes of the Alpes-Maritimes, high above the most famous resorts of the Riviera: Nice, Antibes and Cannes. Located in a quiet residential area but within easy reach of the shops, and the renowned restaurant of the Auberge du Colombier, it offers wheelchair access, comfort and security.
Even the closest of friends and families occasionally need space and this villa, an ingeniously developed traditional stone provencal mas, enjoys space in abundance. The ground and upper floors benefit from separate entrances on opposite sides of the house. Each has a fully equipped kitchen, supplemented by a huge, arcaded barbecue and terrace leading directly on to a substantial, fully fenced swimming pool.
On ground and first floor level large lounges with UK satellite TV, Internet and DVD players, ideal for un-cooperative teenagers, lead into agreeable bedrooms, many with air conditioning and en suite facilities.
Behind electronic gates, the villa’s grounds provide parking for four cars, manicured, constantly watered lawns, table tennis, and a boules court that may be floodlit after dark.
Nice airport can be reached in 20 minutes and the fashionable beaches of the Riviera in less than half an hour. You may find, however, that energetic plans are abandoned as each day passes seamlessly by in this delightful haven away from it all.
Best wishes
Roger