Le Mas d'Albion is an impeccably-restored beautifully-furnished luxurious 18th-century mas (3500sf) located in one and a half acres of manicured private gardens at the edge of a hamlet about ten minutes from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

An unpaved road leads off a country lane about two hundred yards off the la Galine-Saint Rémy road: wrought-iron gates with white-stone pillars open onto a drive leading up to the rear of the villa; large parking area with shaded parking for four cars; a pathway flanked by cypresses and flower beds leads to the rear door of the villa and a working fountain; short walk around the villa takes one to the main wisteria-covered entry.

The villa comprises: sculpted front door opening into a hall; very charming cloakroom with WC, glassed-in shower, and unique vanity; absolutely gorgeous large Provençal living room-kitchen (500sf)-- the heart of the villa with generous seating areas, twin French windows to the garden seating area looking out over the swimming pool area, and fully-equipped bar-style kitchen area with concealed marble work surfaces, American fridge, Lacanche range, twin sinks, and a door to the covered dining terrace.

Also on the ground floor: beautiful rear hall with door to the fountain end of the back garden; two beautiful salons (800sf) linked together into a U-shape by a long library with seating area in front of an ornate stone fireplace and the second with dining table for 6-8 in front of an open fireplace; small lounge-study with broadband internet access.

Off the entry hall, stairs to the upper floor corridor: double bedroom with king-size bed, walk-in dressing room, and en-suite bathroom with twin vanities, glassed-in shower, bath, and separate WC and bidet; double bedroom with queen-size four-poster bed and pale-green-pink Japanese theme; double bedroom with queen-size bed, pale green theme, and (opposite side of corridor) en-suite bathroomin-bath shower and WC; independent bathroom with walk-in shower; two twin bedrooms.

All the bedrooms are quite spacious (250-300sf) and their bathrooms are state-of-the-art with marble surfaces, white porcelain, beautiful tile work, and showers with either "telephone" or large overhead shower heads.

The décor is exceptionally beautiful and in the true Provençal spirit: white painted exposed beams; white and very pale pastel-coloured walls; white Ménerbes-stone floors enhanced with fine rugs and kilims; on the upper floor, very beautiful green and blue floor tiles.

The furnishings are a professional English designer's inspired blend of the very finest hand-painted antique Provençal pieces, high quality modern furniture, beautiful soft furnishings, spot and designer lighting, fine Provençal oil paintings, some modern art, sculpture, prints, an amazing collection of lithographs, Japanes wood-block prints (ukio-e), and very beautiful objets trouvés all combining to create a truly wonderful summer atmosphere with light and colour everywhere.

The staff comprises: part-time experienced cook; housekeeper-cleaning lady for four hours a day (7/7); second housekeeper for breakfasts and ironing; optional driver; gardener and pool man.

The villa is very well equipped with very good quality dinnerware, cutlery and glasses as well as the finest household linen and bathrobes; air-conditioning, satellite TV; CD and DVD player, internet connectivity (ADSL), stereo system, and sophisticated alarm system are among the refinements of this classic and historic Provençal home.

The totally enclosed gardens with thick hedges and bamboo provide total privacy and shelter are well maintained, illuminated, and beautifully laid out: olive, fig, and oak trees; flower beds; lavender beds; elegant cypresses.

Large covered dining terrace with exposed beams, a roof fan, Moroccan lamps, mobile barbecue, and a table for 8-10 overlooking the pool area; 46-foot stone-edged gradual-entry swimming pool surrounded by sunbathing areas enhanced with olive trees in large pots.

The property is ideally located about 15 minutes from Saint Rémy with its vibrant social life: all the other beautiful medieval hilltop Provençal villages towards les Baux and in the Luberon are 30-45 minutes drive; guests can enjoy a wide choice of sports facilities, good restaurants, and the world-famous summer festivals in nearby Avignon.

Le Mas d'Albion offers a single family or a smallish group peace and privacy in idyllic surroundings within minutes of the bucolic pleasures of the heart of Provence: Marseille-Marignan airport with international connections to London, Paris, and New York is within the hour.