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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query bedrooms. Sort by date Show all posts

In Honor of the Royal Birth: A Total Renovation in London!

62 comments

 

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While we are all anxiously awaiting (well, I am at least!)  the birth of the new heir to the Throne of England – but only after first his great-grandmother, grandfather, then father all pass away – here’s a bit of London design to get in the spirit!

 

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A Paris kitchen – hidden behind cabinets in the dining room.  Available for rent from Paris Perfect.

 

You may remember a few years ago, I showed an apartment in Paris HERE that had been totally gutted and renovated - and then a short while later, I wrote about several more apartments that had also been totally renovated in Paris HERE

 

 

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The kitchen/dining room opens to the living room.

 

Both stories featured apartments that are available for short or long term rentals through Paris Perfect, a company that specializes in leasing overseas.  Since that time, Paris Perfect has expanded to include Italy Perfect and London Perfect.   While traveling through Europe, instead of staying in hotels, you have the option of staying in a beautifully restored and fitted apartment, living as a citizen of the city instead of as a tourist.  The flats come fully loaded – and are truly a home away from home.  In London, the apartments are located in the popular and exclusive neighborhoods of Chelsea, Fulham, Kensington, Notting Hill, Mayfair and Belgravia.    You can choose where to stay according to what you plan to do while in London. 

Paris Perfect has been in business for ever 15 years.  Conveniently based in the United States,  there is no language barrier in making arrangements for your stay.  All the apartments are luxurious and smartly decorated – which makes looking at their web site all the more fun.

I love to peruse their available flats online and imagine which one I would rent if I was planning a trip abroad.  Mostly, I love the way they are decorated – so fresh and pretty with up to date furnishings and accessories.   Each of the apartments in the three “Perfect” cities are reflective of their locale.  The Paris Perfect properties are decorated in a casual French style, the Italy Perfect rentals reflect Italian design and the London Perfect apartments showcase the best of the English aesthetic.

Today – we have a recently renovated apartment located in London and available through London Perfect.  The flat was totally remodeled, taken down to the studs, and the results are wonderful! 

Enjoy!!

 

This London Perfect rental, “The Churchill” is located in the trendy Chelsea  neighborhood near Fulham Road and Earl’s Court.   The neighborhood is full of popular restaurants and cafes and is near King’s Road which is filled with décor and antique shops.  Earl’s Court is a short tube ride away – where you can visit its wonderful Museum Row and Kensington Gardens. 

The Churchill flat has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and has an open plan living arrangement.   A large bay window at front lets in plenty of sunlight and overlooks the leafy street.  It is located on the 1st floor which translates to the second floor for Americans.   There is a sofa bed in the living room which provides arrangements for a fifth person to stay there.   All the amenities are included – from a fully equipped kitchen to flat screen TV and Wi-Fi. 

The apartment, to be sure, was nice enough before,  but it was just not up to the exacting standards of London Perfect.  Additionally the layout did not take advantage of the light and views the apartment offered.  The public rooms were in the back of the apartment while the bedrooms were located up front, overlooking the street.   When planning for the renovation, it was decided to flip the public and private rooms – a huge undertaking.  Here is how it began:

 

1 entry bedrooms became living dining

BEFORE:   The entry hall opened up to the two bedrooms.   During the renovation, these bedrooms became the main living area and kitchen once the wall between them was knocked down.  The bedrooms were then moved to the back of the house where the living room and kitchen/dining room once were.

 

1.4 master bedroom became kitchen dining

BEFORE:  The master bedroom had a pretty bay window with great views and light – all wasted.

 

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BEFORE:  The master bedroom and extra bedroom – with the wall between them torn down.   This now becomes the kitchen and living area!!

 

 

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BEFORE:  At the back of the apartment – the living room and the dining room/kitchen, which is down the steps, became the new two bedrooms.  The public rooms were crammed in the back of the flat – with not much light and not much connection to each other.

 

 

 3.5 down steps to dining room

BEFORE:  Leading from the living room to the dining room and kitchen – which will now become the master bedroom!

 

 

5.2 old dining room

BEFORE:  The dining room and kitchen – now the master bedroom.  Up the stairs, the living room becomes the 2nd bedroom.

 

6 original kitchen

BEFORE:  The kitchen that became the master bathroom.

 

 

9 found 1800s red floorboards under kitchen

BEFORE:  Underneath the kitchen they discovered the red painted floors from the 1800s!!  So interesting.

 

 

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BEFORE:  The only bathroom.  Now there are two bathrooms and a powder room.

 

READY TO SEE THE NEW APARTMENT?

 

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The entry hall opens to the living area now at the front of the flat while the bedrooms are now at the back.  To the right through the door is the powder room and a 2nd bathroom.

 

 

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AFTER:  Where the two bedrooms once were there is now an open concept living area/dining area.   All the front windows let in lots of sunlight and have a wonderful view of the street.   In the old floorplan,  only the two bedrooms received the light, while the living and dining room faced the darker back side of the apartment.   The ceilings are quite tall which help to make the area seem more spacious and open.

 

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Above the sofabed, there is now a mirror which helps makes the space seem larger and pretty herbariers.  To the left is a fireplace mantel.  You can see the kitchen reflected in the mirror.  

 

 

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Close up of the mirror and herbariers with gilt frames.

 

 

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I love the colors and fabrics - gray ticking and black check with touches of red.  Two tufted chairs face the sofa. 

 

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The fireplace mantel is strictly for decoration – it’s non working!

 

 

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A cute clock with that touch of red sits above the mantel.

 

 

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The large clock over the mantel.  Love it!

 

 

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Vignette on the mantel.  Sweet vintage photograph of English school children.

 

 

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Across from the living space is the dining/kitchen area.  

 

 

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The kitchen comes fully stocked with all appliances, cooking utensils and necessities – but no food!!!   The refrigerator is hiding in the tall beadboard cabinet.  

 

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In the bay window sits a painted antique desk with a pair of romantic lamps.  The  curtains are full and lush – softening the room.   By switching the bedrooms with the living areas – the public rooms now overlook the pretty, leafy street, as they should!

 

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  The guest bedroom is located down the hall past the entryway in the former living room and further down the stairs is the master bedroom where the dining room and kitchen once were.  What a change from those two dreary spaces!!  A wall was erected in the living space to create the 2nd bedroom on the left.   This also created the hallway which is now decorated with prints, a mirror,  and a luggage rack.

 

 

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So charming!  Furnished in red, gray, pink and green, a custom built closet sits between the beds.  Notice how there are small bedside shelves on the side of the closet.  Each bed has its own lamp.  Love the mirrors – and love the wall color.  So cute!

 

image Close up of the bed.  The closet acts as a room divider, providing privacy to each inhabitant.

 

 

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And the second bed has a window that overlooks the back property.  Cute chintz curtains.  I love the gray pillow designed like the Union Jack flag. 

 

 

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The totally new bathroom #2 for the guest room has a rain showerhead. 

 

 

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Another view of bathroom #2.  There is another totally new bathroom in the master bedroom.

 

 

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Right off the entry hall between the living area and the bedrooms – is a new powder room. 

 

 

image Past the guest room and down a few steps is the master bedroom – with the bathroom where the kitchen once was.  The vignette on the chest makes a pretty sight line when walking down the long hall.

 

 

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The master bedroom is done in blue and white and coral.   The bathroom is through the door – where the kitchen once was.

 

 

 

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The master bedroom is charming with matching arched mirrors on each side and urn lamps with coral shades.  I love the two tulip paintings in the blue and white cachepots. 

 

 

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Along one wall a large closet is behind double doors.

 

 

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The new master bathroom, in what was once the kitchen, is very luxurious with a large shower.

 

 

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Along this wall, behind the mirrored doors is the washer dryer which is so convenient while traveling.

 

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Covering the window is the mirror that folds back to let in light.

 

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The washer dryer.

 

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To rent The Churchill or to visit London Perfect, go HERE.  To visit Paris Perfect, go HERE.

 

A huge thank you to London Perfect for sharing your photographs of The Churchill with us!!

 

AND….speaking of London,

 

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Are you excited for the birth – or do you really not care at all?  I’m getting excited finally, at the end.  Did anyone ever look prettier pregnant than Kate?

 

 

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Princess Diana perhaps.  Hard to believe she was just 20 years old here, pregnant with William, almost still a child herself.  This picture really says it all.   Charles looks wonderful here – so loving!   Snort.  Not my favorite person in the world!   Poor Diana never stood a chance against him and Camilla.   The royals used Diana as a birthing machine – chosen for her good breeding and virginity.    After she did her duty and gave them an heir and a spare, they couldn’t wait to get rid of her when she refused to play along with their games any longer.   Don’t get me started on what they did to her!!!

 

Anyway – at least they did have two darling boys.

 

Future Royal Babies

Here’s what Kate and William’s baby might look like.  So ridiculous!!!   The teen girl looks just like Kate Gosselin!

 

wait – they ALL look like Kate Gosselin!

 

So…is it a

Girl or boy?

I’m going with a girl, even though she looks like she is carrying a boy. 

 

Prince William – so cute! 

 

Name?   I say – Elizabeth Diana Victoria – not sure which order, but I bet the princess will have all three of those names.  

The name will have to be regal, after all, she will one day be the Queen of England now that the rules have changed.  No longer do the royals have to try for a boy – their first born will be the monarch, no matter what the sex.  Sure would have helped all of King Henry XIII’s wives.   

If it’s a boy – William Charles Albert Edward – not sure what order.

What is your guess?  Boy / girl

Name? 

 

 

 

Dreaming on a Snowy Day

79 comments

 

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So, if you are anywhere in the world except for California or Florida, you are probably snowed in today.  Enough of winter!  This has been a really cold one for Texas and I’m ready for summer and sunshine and beaches.   Last week I showed apartments to rent while in Paris, but really, wouldn’t you whether rent a house in Provence and pretend you are Vicki Archer?   I know I would!  Here is an assortment of houses to rent.  There seems to be more cuter houses available than apartments.  I could have shown about 50 great houses today.   I tried to pick a variety of houses there were large and small, and with views and no views so you could pick what you really would want in a rental.  Enjoy!

 

HOUSE #1

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This villa, available HERE, Bastide Lavande, is surrounded by lavender fields.  The mas is so pretty – who cares what it looks like inside? 

 

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Actually, the inside is nice:  tiled floors, seagrass, and antique country French antiques!   I love the dining room and how it opens to the outside through true French doors.

 

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Gorgeous fireplace and mirror!  Notice the cute side table on the right.  I wish I owned a hundred of those tables!

 

 

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The view outside the living room looks over the acreage, 20 acres around the house and over 1,000 around the estate.

 

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Outside the house is a large graveled terrace that overlooks the estate.

 

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And a large swimming pool, surrounded by stone walls.

 

 

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Six bedrooms and five bathrooms.   Notice the French doors and the hardware. 

 

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Adorable!

 

 

 

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Another cute bathroom.

 

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This house has it all.  A large property, views, old fashioned house, and pretty interiors.

 

 

HOUSE #2

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L’Ambiance HERE is located within walking distance to the town of Goult and is considered a townhouse.

 

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The property is on 1 1/2 acres and has a beautiful garden with fountains and a swimming pool.

 

 

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The swimming pool is set into a stone wall.

 

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The house is filled with beautiful antiques inside and out.

 

 

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The 17th century farmhouse is a rarity in the town with its acreage.

 

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The beautiful wood door opens up to the house. 

 

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The house is stunningly decorated, one of the best ones I saw.  I just know an American owns this house!  I love the silk pillows, the painting, the tea table, and the fireplace!

 

 

 

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Limestone floors and stucco walls.  The mantel is gorgeous.

 

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Authentically French!

 

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You can see into the dining room here.  Such pretty antique tables.

 

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The kitchen is every bit as pretty as the rest of the house. 

 

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Precious!  I love the wood carvings over the beds.  The house is small with only 3 bedrooms and baths.  Notice the gorgeous night stand.

 

 

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Another bedroom, perfectly furnished.  Darling chair.  Notice the small niche next to the bed.

 

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Each bedroom has a small sitting area.

 

 

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The master bedroom is so pretty with its fireplace and painting and sconces.  The bathroom is through the arched door.

 

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The master bathroom.  I love all the wood cuttings in the house.  I just love the way this house is decorated.

 

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Great bathtub!

 

 

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Another sitting room.  Cute child’s chair.

 

 

 

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The wine cellar.

 

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Another view of the swimming pool.   I think I might have to pick this house to rent.  I’m more into the interiors than the location and I love the way this is decorated!  But, this one is basically a town house and not out in the country with sweeping views.  Does that matter to you?

 

 

 

 

HOUSE #3

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The next mas, Les Vignes, is located within walking distance from the medieval town of Goult, seen here on the property, through the clouds.

 

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The stone house is small with just 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and is reasonably priced. 

 

 

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The graveled terrace sits next to the arched French doors that once probably led into the barn.

 

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The terrace, looking the other direction towards the pool.

 

 

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The swimming pool is set within stone walls.

 

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Notice the charming stone pool house.

 

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Inside the house, the living room is charming and cozy.

 

 

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The kitchen is adorable with all the skirts in lieu of cabinet doors.

 

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 Another view of the kitchen shows the pantry and the arched ceiling.

 

 

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Notice the large column on the left that holds up the ceiling.

 

 

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There is a mix of French antiques throughout the house.

 

 

 

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One of the four bedrooms, in white and linen.

 

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The remodeled bath – love the window!

 

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Another bedroom with antique iron bed.

 

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The grounds are so charming and beautiful.

 

 

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Les Lignes would be perfect for a small family – I really like this one too.  It’s got views and a cute interior, yet close to a town.

 

 

 

 

HOUSE #4

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Villa Le Relais  is in the Luberon Village, located HERE, and has 4 new bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and a new kitchen.

 

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   Here, the living room/dining room.   Notice how the walls are painted two colors to simulate wainscoting.

 

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The dining area with antique buffet.

 

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Looking up at the second floor balcony.

 

 

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Beautiful arched windows.

 

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The table set for dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

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The newly built kitchen. 

 

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You can see the living/dining room through the doorway in the kitchen. 

 

 

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The terrace runs from the kitchen to the living room. 

 

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Typical French checked fabric and limestone floor.

 

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Another bedroom, the faux wainscot is painted throughout the house.

 

 

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A typical tiled bathroom.

 

 

 

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Villa Le Relais overlooks the terrace and the swimming pool.

 

 

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The terrace next to the swimming pool past the stone wall.

 

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The swimming pool.  Small, nice furniture, with views, but in some photos it seems like the neighbors are close by.

 

 

 

 

HOUSE #5

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Mas des Pierres HERE near Avignon has five bedrooms and five baths.   Here, the traditional gravel terrace sits next to the converted barn door.

 

 

 

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This 17th century farm has been recently remodeled. 

 

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Overlooking the grounds.

 

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This house is furnished with antiques.  Unfortunately, many of the pictures were too small to show here.

 

 

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The large living room and dining room in one space.

 

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A corner of the living room/dining room.

 

 

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The kitchen is so wonderful and authentic!

 

 

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One of the bedrooms.  All the bedrooms are charming, decorated in typical Provincial style.

 

 

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One of the bathrooms, traditional, not contemporary.

 

 

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The terrace at Mas des Pierres.  The house is traditional with antiques, five bedrooms, and with a nice property and view.    Do you want something more modern or traditional?

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE #6

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Bastide Vallat HERE is located in Luberon Provence.

 

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The 7 bedroom and 7 bathroom mas has recently been completely redone.   It is very large and luxurious and very expensive to rent.

 

 

 

 

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There is a “garden kitchen” and an outside eating area.

 

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The furnishings are modern and there are very few, if any, antiques.  The bar area sits behind the sofa.

 

 

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The bar area.  The remodeling is first rate.   There are beautiful wood French doors throughout and the floors are limestone.

 

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The stone walls were kept exposed.

 

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The kitchen is amazing – set within the stone wall arches.

 

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All of the bedrooms have sitting areas.   This one is huge!

 

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In this bedroom, the sitting area is behind the bed.

 

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A designer obviously was hired to completely furnish the mas.  All the rooms flow together in a cohesive design.

 

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Notice the charming small windows set into the stone walls on the right.

 

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The bathrooms are all luxurious.

 

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Each is fitted out with robes and towel warmers.  

 

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This spa bathroom with a steam room and massage tables is located next to the gym.

 

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Of course there is a wine cellar!

 

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A private sunbathing terrace.

 

 

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Of all the houses, this one is most decorated and extravagant.  It is also the most contemporary.  Would you rather rent a smaller, more charming mas or a larger, more contemporary one like this with all the bells and whistles?  

 

HOUSE #7

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Fleurs de Provence HERE in Alpinnes Provence is the largest house and the most expensive.   It has 10 bedrooms and 9 baths.

 

 

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The grounds are large and beautifully landscaped especially during lavender blooming season.

 

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There is also a tennis court, seen in the upper left corner. 

 

 

 

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The terrace overlooks the grounds and has its own fireplace.

 

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The mas has been completely renovated.  It has a mixture of antiques and traditional furniture.

 

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Despite its size and cost, the interiors are not dressy.

 

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The breakfast room is the most charming one in the house.

 

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There is a completely fitted out kitchen.

 

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The stairs.

 

 

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A large bedroom.   The furnishings seem lacking when comparing the property and the landscaping.

 

 

 

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Another bedroom. 

 

 

 

 

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All the bathrooms are tiled like this.

 

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Fleurs de Provence is a beautiful house and its grounds are wonderful, but the furnishings seem ordinary.  Would that be important to you?  Would you rather have the grounds or the furniture or both?  

 

 

 

HOUSE #8

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La Belle de Crillon HERE literally hangs off the cliff overlooking the town of Crillon le Brave.

 

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It has six bedrooms and six baths.  There are incredible views from each room in the house.

 

 

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The house is four stories, but there is an elevator inside!

 

 

 

 

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The views are incredible from this mas.   The swimming pool is at the bottom level.

 

 

 

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Completely remodeled and refurbished, the house is elegant and somewhat dressy.

 

 

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Stone floors and stucco walls, the house is professionally designed.

 

 

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The large dining room has beautifully painted walls.

 

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What a range!!

 

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The tiled floors are beautiful. 

 

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Another bedroom with tiled floors.

 

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Charming bathroom with footed tub. 

 

 

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Every salon and bedroom share this view of the countryside.   This house almost has it all, the size, the elegance, the view, the furnishings – but there is no large property.   Would that be important when choosing a house to rent?  Would you care if there was only a small area outside to sit and enjoy the sweeping views?

 

To view more beautiful houses and pick your own dream rental, these two companies have a large selection:

 

http://www.francevacationvilla.com/

and

http://www.luxuryretreats.com/index.aspx

 

 

And this reminder about the Urban Market next weekend - don’t forget they are at a new location!!!!!   Check out their website to read where it is:  www.theurbanmarkethouston.com

 

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finally, my sister just sent me this hysterical You Tube video about our huge “snow day” in Houston!   It would be funny if it wasn’t so true, every word of it!!!!