Mas Les Vignes

Deep Nature: Silence and Slow Living in Style

An ancient farmhouse dating from 1757, this remote property is the first in a collection of secluded country retreats to be created by owners whose craftsmanship and attention to detail we admire. With a polished, farm-to-table, French country vibe inside, and thousands of acres of protected woods surrounding the property, this stunning complex offers solitude bathed in subtle, rustic-chic sophistication.

A historic enclave made up of two tidy stone residences, this entirely renovated 18th-century villa for rent in France gives architectural meaning to the cherished term terroir. Set in a privileged location, where topography, nature, and climate combine in immense, breathtaking beauty, the former agricultural outpost has been fully transformed. It occupies a landscaped, terraced garden that spills out to a natural spring and swimming hole, all of it deliciously isolated in a protected national parkland.

The stony residences combine as that rare gem—a singular, slow-living destination perfect for two families or a small group of adventurous friends, where private homes are joined by an interior courtyard and there are plenty of views to go around!

The first home features a spacious farm kitchen with a massive hearth and bread oven, plus an adjacent dining terrace. It sleeps up to four across two simply furnished bedrooms, one with cathedral styling and a double bed, the other a smaller space with a private terrace. The rooms share a bathroom outfitted with double showers and a small tub, plus there’s a cozy living area inside when it’s time to retire from the extensive terraces.

The second home is situated across the courtyard and has been partially rebuilt so that it pairs ancient and modern amenities throughout. It, too, sleeps up to four guests, and features a sizeable kitchen and spacious living area, plus two bedrooms (both doubles, one with a shaded terrace) and a shared bathroom with an Italian shower and tub.

Refinished exposed stone, smooth plaster walls, and glinting vertical subway tiles in the tawny shades of nature add to the home’s naturally unfussy, French country look. Original chinked ceiling beams have been retained overhead and stone windowsills and simple wood furnishings such as farm tables and straw chairs with modern lines keep the interiors straightforward, inviting and practical.

A unique feature, welcomed in the otherwise remote homes, is the on-site wine cellar and dry goods shop. Name brand, artisanal specialty foods such as tins of foie gras, salty Spanish hams, prepared sardines and marinated octopus join dozens of natural French wines and Italian coffee among the offerings available for purchase.

AROUND

Boulder-strewn peaks, deep woods, and meandering waters characterize the photogenic Cevennes National Park in which this villa for rent in France is located. There are no neighbors, so part of this property’s allure is its invigorating silence and wild beauty. 

Located at the foot of Mt. Lozere, the highest peak within the UNESCO-classified national park, the houses offer a balm to the hurried, urban life. Remote yet comfortable, they stand as the perfect havens for relaxation or exploring nature among family and friends. The gardens are manicured, with original stone walls zigzagging along the varied levels, terraces for unwinding are numerous, and the natural swimming hole below is a quick walk away. The nearest village is the medieval hamlet of Génolhac. 

A mecca for the outdoorsy, the Cevennes National Park offers a multitude of activities for the adventurous, including canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, and hiking, both independently and as part of guided trips.

LOCATION

Cevennes National Park, France. Nearest airport: Montpellier

BEST TIME TO VISIT: June to September