Mas le Clos Souris

Artist’s Crumbling Estate in Provence Given New Life

A Hungarian artist and local village legend once lived and worked within the stony blonde walls of this classic southern French country home dating from the 1500s, even creating an add-on to the estate in the 1970s. Crumbling and forlorn when it was discovered by a Belgian creative director, the multi-structure property has been given a six-year, head-to-toe makeover that’s restored its tranquil, inspiring character and rejuvenated it in an elegant, spare style—a timeless combination of old and new.

Once upon a time, Hungarian artist Joseph Szabo painted, sculpted and created a splash in the local village from within the walls of this classic Provençal estate. Set in a wild corner of Provence, his traditional mas, or enclosed country retreat, located within walking distance of the storybook medieval village of Fons-sur-Lussan, was abandoned following his death in 2010. Crumbling, it was discovered by a Belgian creative director and her partner, searching for a holiday home.

Smitten by the property’s sturdy 16th-century walls, its magically intimate setting on two lushly wooded hectares, and its spectacular views, they undertook a seven-year, floor-to-ceiling renovation project, rejuvenating the original farmhouse, its attached dépendance, and artist’s atelier, restoring the estate’s homey, creative atmosphere. Updated in collaboration with architect Vincent Fordel, the property’s three separate structures all display a combination of reused original architectural features and furnishings by contemporary artists and designers like Casimir and Rikkert Paauw. 

The result is a fully transformed property returned to its creative haven status—a serene collection of villas for rent in France where old stones are brightened by generously proportioned new windows, ancient volumes are updated by sleek modern architecture and design elements, and upcycled antiques have been reimagined as contemporary kitchens and functional furnishings, beautifully patinaed from age and use, yet decidedly modern and original.

WHAT YOU CAN BOOK

All units can be rented separately; as a result, there may be other guests on the estate if you only book one unit. If the Mas and the Loft are rented, the studio will not be rented out to other guests. If the Mas and the Studio are rented together, the Loft may be rented out to other guests. The swimming pool and garden are shared, but every unit has a private terrace or courtyard. The property's housekeeper lives on-site in a separate house, and he maintains the swimming pool and garden.

The Mas

The oldest part of the property, dating from 1573, the farmhouse holds four double bedroom/bath suites. Its lyrical inner courtyard is hidden behind heavy wooden exterior doors, and is an enclosed garden perfect for alfresco dining and outdoor play, connected to the newly designed kitchen by Casimir. Wide arched windows flood the Mas in natural light, a quiet salon features a tightly twisting, antique spiral staircase to an upstairs office, and a third story tower room stands apart with its Japanese-styled, panoramic view shower. An additional multipurpose room on the second level creates overflow sleeping spots for guests or children.

The Studio

An annex to the ancient Mas, the studio underwent extensive renovation and now stands as an independent apartment with its own private entrance. An ideal, intimate family hideaway, the studio offers two bedrooms—one a bunkroom expressly designed for children—and an all-new kitchen and contemporary interior staircase signed by Casimir. An upstairs living area offers breathtaking views onto nearby Mont Bouquet.

The Loft

The former workspace of artist Joseph Szabo, the atelier loft showcases an imaginatively updated kitchen and dining area, designed by Dutch creator Rikkert Paauw, who built the new space from antique furniture pieces found on-site and/or brought to the property by local villagers. Four double bedrooms open onto a classic Provençal garden terrace, and an upstairs living room features a spacious, open-air deck in the treetops.

EXPERIENCES

Tucked into a lush, four-hectare plot in a rugged region of Provence, the immediate surroundings of this serene retreat offer space to play pétanque, lounge poolside in the sun or suspended in a hammock under mature fruit trees, pick seasonal herbs or fruits, and stargaze on a velvety midnight sky. Get some exercise jumping on the in-ground trampoline and head across the road to another garden with a panoramic terrace ideal for yoga, meditation, or l'heure de l'apéro. An on-site concierge can assist in organizing gastronomical or viticultural tours, private chef meals, yoga or meditation workshops, bike or motorized scooter/moped rentals, or even equitation sessions. 

AROUND

These villas for rent in France are located near the picturesque medieval village of Fons-sur-Lussan, a classic Provençal community around which wineries, fruit orchards, and olive and lavender farms are located. Cycling is a great way to discover the area, and outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy hiking and/or canoeing/kayaking the Cèze or Ardèche Rivers. Easy day trips from the property include visits to local ceramicists, soap makers and other traditional artisans’ ateliers, historical sites such as UNESCO classified Uzés, only 20 kilometers away, or the larger communities of the south of France such as mythical Nice, Avignon, or Arles.

LOCATION

Fons-sur-Lussan, Provence, France. Nearest airports: Nimes, Montpelier

BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to October