The house is situated in what was originally the Domaine de Chateauneuf. This estate was assembled in the 18th century and is approximately 1 mile from the village of Nans Les Pins.
A farmhouse was built in approximately 1750 and a small family chateau added in circa 1780 (where Napoleon is believed to have stayed for several months in 1793/4). In 1920 the chateau was converted into the Hotel Domaine de Chateauneuf (4/5 star) and now boasts a gourmet restaurant and membership of “Relais et Chateaux”. In 1988 the farmlands were sold to a privately owned golf company who built an excellent 18 hole championship golf course, completely surrounding the hotel and the farmhouse which each have adjacent two and half acre plots. A clubhouse and driving range were also added, but on the outside of the golf course.
In 1998 the golf company bought the hotel and lovingly restored it. In 2000 my wife and I bought the farmhouse, which is now known as “La Bergerie De Chateauneuf”. The hotel has kindly permitted us to use their tennis courts, some 100 yards away – these appear to be rarely used by their own guests.
The interior of the farmhouse has been completely modernised and a new extension of approximately 100m2 constructed. This was originally used by a guardian, however, the area is now incorporated into the main house. It can, of course, be easily made separate again if required. In 2005 the main house was completely reroofed using authentic Provencal tiles. The property is entitled to 10 cubic meters of drinkable spring water per day free of charge. | The house has been completely renovated and modernised and now benefits from: Modern boiler and central heating system 5 new fully tiled bathrooms containing state of the art showers, fixtures and fittings 2 new kitchens, fully equipped with dishwashers, ovens, hobs (gas & electric), fridges and freezers The ground floor is authentically tiled throughout and offers the option of two separate working fireplaces, the largest of which, in the main drawing room, can take logs up to 1.5 metres in length. 
The entire property is wired for satellite TV and there is a wireless 8MB ADSL connection and 2 separate telephone lines. If desired the new wing can be operated entirely separately from the main house, as it has its own independant services. All internal fixtures and fittings are available for purchase by separate negotiation and these include curtains, rugs, light fittings and a wide variety of furniture and equipment, together with outdoor garden machinery |
The south facing front of the house has been professionally landscaped to provide a large terrace with olive trees, a lawn of approximately three quarters of an acre and extensive flower beds. This is maintained by an electronically controlled irrigation system, which is supplied (as is the house) by a natural spring on the golf course.
Five years ago an orchard of 37 fruit trees was planted and these now provide a variety of fruits each year. The front of the house has a wonderful uninterrupted view of the mountain of La Sainte Baume. 
To the rear of the house there is a new swimming pool with state of the art filtration and cleaning equipment which requires virtually no maintenance or chemical input, and which is housed in a separate building away from the house. The surrounding area has been professionally landscaped to include large terraced areas, lawns, palm trees and rockeries etc. This too, has an electronically controlled watering system. Beyond this, there is a small area of forest leading down to the golf course.
Just inside the entry gates to the property and to the side of the house, there is gravel parking for 10 cars or more, and a recently built two car garage. The electronic entry gates and garage doors can be operated remotely from the house or the car. There is also a large wine cave, which is fully insulated and thermostatically controlled. All outdoor areas have comprehensive exterior lighting.
|