FacebookTwitter

Buying a House in Provence: The first few steps…

in Real Estate For Sale Provence

The first few steps…Buying a House in Provence   Perhaps you have been renting a villa in Provence for years, or maybe all it took was one week of its earthly magic to take hold… either way, you can’t seem to shake the idea of having a place to call your own in this idyllic region.  Where do you begin?  It can be intimidating for a foreigner to navigate the ins and outs of the administrative process of buying a property in Provence. France is known for its fantastic wine and cheese, yet also for its maze of paperwork, complex rules, and tax regulations. What could feel like a daunting process becomes a pleasure when working with the knowledgeable staff in the Real Estate Division of Only Provence, all of whom have first-hand knowledge and experience buying, renovating and renting properties in the region. Criteria If you are thinking of purchasing in Provence, here are a few...

In The News Only Provence Expands Operations To Include Real Estate For Sale In Provence

in Real Estate For Sale Provence

In The News: Only Provence Expands Operations To Include Real Estate For Sale In Provence   Los Angeles, California based company Only Provence has recently announced an expansion. As one of the leading providers of luxury villa rentals in Provence, France, the company is now expanding its operations to include real estate sales. For the past decade, Only Provence has focused uniquely on carefully growing its portfolio of distinct luxury vacation properties, which is now a collection of well-over 160 properties located near Provence’s most notable villages. Known for their high standards and only accepting homes with the ideal balance of authenticity, charm, amenities and staff, Only Provence is proud of its “best in class” reputation in Provence. They state that moving ahead into selling properties is something that has always been in the back of their minds,...

Villa Rental of the Week Mas des Cerisiers

in Villa Rentals Provence

Provence Villa Rental of the Week Mas des Cerisiers   Only Provence villa rental of the week is Mas des Cerisiers located in Bonnieux Provence. For anyone visiting Provence, the village of Bonnieux is on the top of the to-do list.  Dating back to Roman times, this spectacular village perched on the edge of a hillside offers sweeping views of the Luberon valley.  Quiet cafés, boulangeries, and handful of quaint local restaurants line its cobblestone streets.  Only Provence is showcasing “Mas des Cerisiers” in its Villa Rental of the Week series, where we share details on the most exceptional villa rentals in idyllic setting in Provence. For those renting a luxury villa in the South of France, nothing can quite beat having view of this ancient town from their breakfast table or pool lounger. Mas des Cerisiers is a four bedroom, four bathroom stone building, newly renovated old...

Sharing A Real Taste Of Provence

in What To Do In Provence

Sharing a Real Taste of Provence We at Only Provence don’t spend all of our time on the phone or booking luxury villa rentals in the South of France. Knowing the region first-hand and spending quality time with the owners of our listed luxury properties is a big part of being able to deliver the best experience to families and groups pf friends choosing to spend their holiday in Provence. A couple of weeks ago, some of our staff (Stan, Ingrid, Louise and I), had the pleasure of passing a fresh Spring morning with Bernard Roussel, the owner of villa Pierres des Luberon, traversing his magnificent 120 acre property on the edge of the Luberon National Park near Bonnieux. It is during moments like these that we are reminded of how much joy our owners receive from simply sharing what they believe makes their property so special. The desire to open their homes goes well beyond the need for...

Trading in a Life for One in Provence

in What To Do In Provence

Trading in a Life for One in Provence….Jumping The Picket Fence   Lydia Dean (co-founder of Only Provence) writes about leaving their lives in the US for a simpler one nestled in a quiet village in the South of France.  In this beautifully balanced mixture of travel memoir, business-building and soul searching, she shares high and lows as they tend grape vines, renovate Mas de Gancel, build a small villa business and raise a young family in Provence. Neither of them knew in the moment, that the lessons they would learn during these years would offer the foundation for so much more…   In 2000, Lydia Dean finds herself at the top of her game professionally, yet on the verge of an emotional breakdown. Quitting her job and convincing her husband John to join her on a more meaningful path, the family takes a leap of faith, moving to the South of France where they rediscover...

Chef Services

in Villa Rentals Provence, What To Do In Provence

Chef Services In Provence One of the absolute pleasures of renting a luxury villa in the South of France is having a gourmet meal prepared in the comfort of your private villa by a talented chef. Together with the chef, design a fantastic meal incorporating fresh, local ingredients from the village markets. Opt for simple or elegant, celebratory or casual, either way, this tremendous dining experience will be one of the highlights of your stay in Provence. To learn even more about the wonders of Provençal cuisine, consider a cooking course with one of our gifted chefs in the privacy of your villa rental. We asked one of our exclusive chefs, Chef Ronald, to describe his history, what brought him to cook privately for clients renting villas in Provence, and what a typical day is like doing what he loves to do: I am Ronald Guillaume the son of Chef Elie Guillaume. My father was a private...

Christmas Traditions in Provence

in What To Do In Provence

Provençal Christmas traditions are rooted in both charming local customs and historical religious rituals. During this festive season, called Calendale, villages throughout Provence host Christmas Markets, Santons Fairs, Lighting Festivals and Tours of Nativity Scenes leading up to Le Gros Souper on Christmas Eve and Les Treize desserts following Midnight Mass. Rent a luxury villa the south of France with family and friends for the holidays and delight in the regional mores. The season officially kicks off on December 4, Saint Barbara’s, or St. Barbe’s, Day, when wheat and lentil seeds are planted into small dishes. Once the shoots grow, symbolizing a good harvest and prosperity for the new year, they are decorated with ribbon and are used as part of the Christmas Eve table decorations. The Christmas crib, or crèche, is an important part of the nativity scene in Provence, dating back...

Provencal Christmas Bread Recipe

in Recipes

Perhaps the most popular of the Christmas traditions in Provence is les treize desserts, or the thirteen desserts, to be enjoyed following Midnight Mass. The star of the thirteen desserts is pompe à l’huile, sometimes called fougasse, a sweet, light, openwork bread made with olive oil and flavored with orange blossom water and citrus zest. (While traditional, these flavoring are optional and the bread will still taste delicious without.) This tasty bread may also be enjoyed throughout the year in other variations. The sugar can be increased for a sweeter bread, or a savory version could be made with less sugar and other flavorings, like aniseed, or with olives and herbs. Whichever version you choose to make, this bread will warm your kitchen with wonderful aromas and delight all those at your table. 3 3⁄4 cups Flour (plus more for kneading dough) 1⁄4 cup Sugar (*optional to add more...

Palmiers Recipe

in Recipes

Palmiers Recipe Palmers are a delightful pastry and wonderful in their simplicity. In less than an hour and with just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert or tea time snack. Preparation could not be easier, and after making these just one time, you’ll be able to make Palmiers without a recipe and perhaps with some additional flavorings. These are perfect to whip up for surprise guests or to offer at the end of meal with a cup of coffee. Palmiers have a fantastic, crisp crunch, but beware, because with that fantastic crunch comes a scattering of crumbs. Have a napkin handy!   Ingredients: 1 Sheet Puff Pastry, thawed 2 – 3 Tablespoons Butter, melted and cooled (approximate amount) 1/4 Cup Sugar (approximate amount)   Method: Sprinkle sugar on a flat work surface, then roll out puff pastry into a large square — around 12 inches by 12 inches. Be sure to...

11 Fun Things About Gordes

in What To Do In Provence

11 Fun Things About Gordes While Renting Your Luxury Villa Designated one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes resides on a giant cal-careous rock from the monts de Vaucluse in Provence. An inspiration to artists such as Marc Chagall, the panoramic views of the Luberon valley from this hilltop village are nothing short of spectacular. There’s much to see and enjoy in and around Gordes and while each of these could stand on their own, here are 11 reasons to visit this special Provencal village. 1. You won’t find a wooden building in Gordes (or fences for that matter). All buildings are required to be made of the beautiful stone Provence is known for and use terra cotta roof tiles. 2. The castle, located in the center of the village, dates back to 1031 and was partially rebuilt in Renaissance style in 1525. 3. Locals and visitors love the vibrant, weekly Tuesday Market. Fresh...