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Luxury vacation living in the wine country of Southern France
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Le Petit Charme (LPC) is a newly renovated (February 2007),
fully-furnished, centrally air conditioned, 85-square meters
(915-square foot) luxury French cottage with interior courtyard
and exterior garden. It includes a living room/dining room/kitchen
from which one can view the 12th century chateau that towers
over the tiny Medieval village of Argens-Minervois. In addition,
there is the master bedroom, bathroom and dressing room suite
that opens onto the private courtyard.
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Fine design, furnishings & décor
Le Petit Charme (LPC), situated at the edge of the village next
to as-far-as-the-eye-can-see vineyards, is designed to make
guests feel as though they’re living among the vines.
Cream-colored walls change hue with the light, complementing
a ‘harvest’ palette of ochre, red, gold, silver,
and bronze contemporary and antique furnishings. Floors of
modern and antique tiles ground the interesting mix of decorative
items of glass, mirror, wood and metal that adorn the space.
Although many of the features of
a French country cottage are present, such as aged stone walls,
weathered wooden shutters, huge ceiling beams and an old-fashion
wood-burning stove, designer Marion Hagspiel has taken whimsical
liberties with tradition. For example, the Art Deco style
dining chairs upholstered in French toile surround a modern
Italian glass table. Instead of traditional French country
art and décor, Ms. Hagspiel has selected overscale
photography, Catalan pottery and African bowls for a touch of the unexpected. |
Comfortable living area
The main living area of Le Petit Charme (LPC) has a comfortable
sleeper sofa with an array of down cushions and upholstered armchair
set next to an old-fashion wood-burning stove(see photo below). |
A handsome custom-built wall unit houses a state-of-the-art entertainment system, including a flat-panel television with a DVD player and film library. There is also a CD stereo system with a variety of CDs. For those who like to read, a collection of books, including several local guides and historical accounts, provides a relaxing way to past the time. |
Modern kitchen
The kitchen, a combination of high-tech and old-world design, is
outfitted with smart appliances for those who like to cook while
on holiday. It has an under-the-counter refrigerator, four-burner
convection stove and oven, and microwave. A toaster, blender, steamer,
grill, and espresso/coffee maker and a collection of stylish cutlery
and tabletop accessories and other kitchen items are stored below
the counters, leaving plenty of workspace.
The kitchen opens through French doors onto a Meditteranean-style courtyard
and herb garden for easy seasonal dining and entertaining. |
Convivial dining area
Designed as an extension of the kitchen,
the inside dining area encourages the free flow of good conversation
– along with food and wine – between cooks and
guests. With seating for up to six, the modern Italian glass
dining table is illuminated by an 19th century crystal and
brass chandelier. It is flanked by a grand Louis VI-style
armoire that holds a variety of dishes, cooking ingredients
and other culinary necessities. |
Private courtyard & herb garden
The enclosed Meditteranean-style courtyard, tiled with colorful
19th century carrelage, and furnished with a bubbling fountain, an antique marble-top
table with seating for four, gas grill and two comfortable lounge chairs,
is perfect for sunning, dining or entertaining.
It features a variety of indigenous plants and potted herbs (available
in season for guests use). A selection of lights and
candles illuminate the area by night, providing an ambience of romance. |
Tranquil bedroom
A cozy bedroom, decorated in a soft palette
of lavender, grey, silver and white, provides a relaxing and
sensual sleep environment. A high-quality, full-size mattress
is topped with a sumptuous featherbed wrapped in fine Egyptian
cotton linens. A down comforter and a collection of plump
pillows provide warmth and comfort. French doors open onto
the private courtyard where guests can enjoy early
morning coffee and the calming sounds and scents of the French
countryside while relaxing in plush terry cloth robes. |
Refreshing shower
Adjacent to the bedroom is a large walk-in shower designed to accommodate
two people. An oversized hot water heater and shower fixture ensures
excellent water temperature and flow. |
Convenient vanity
A custom-built vanity, opposite the shower with a view onto the
courtyard, has a variety of toiletries for guests' use.
It’s the perfect spot for applying makeup and primping
for a pleasant day of touring. |
Private dressing room
A private dressing room has a wall-to-ceiling mirror and an antique
armoire that provides ample storage space for guests' belongings. |
Efficient work station & laptop computer
Guests have use of a laptop computer and unlimited high speed
internet access at a small work station with portable phone
and a variety of office supplies. |
Garden with vineyard views
Seated at an old stone well turned outdoor dining table,
guests can enjoy relaxing views - a country garden of wild
flowers, seasonal vegetables and young olive trees, as well
as vineyards stretching to the horizon.
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