Le Mas du Rey
St Félix-de-Pallières, 30140 Anduze, Gard, Southern France
Sleeps 18, including Children And Babies
'Le Mas du Rey'. To the left is the 'Magnanerie Haute'. Top centre is the 'Magnanerie Basse', and bottom centre is the 'Bergerie'
Location And Setting
(situated on the edge of the cevennes national park)
"Le Mas du Rey" is set in 65 hectares (160 acres) of magnificent countryside on the borders of the Cévennes, France's largest and arguably most dramatic national park, and famous for its 200,000 hectares (half a million acres) of unspoilt beauty, as well as for its mountains, forests, rivers, walks and inexpensive hospitality.
"Le Mas du Rey" dates from the latter half of the 18th century ('1789' is carved above one door), and was originally a "hameau" (or hamlet), an extended family occupying (with their animals!) the 3 principal buildings. They farmed the surrounding land and, more importantly, they were involved in the silk-producing industry which was once the mainstay of the Cévenole region. (Many such local families were Protestants - known as Huguenots - and when driven from France, continued their involvement with the silk industry, founding such multi-national corporations as Courtaulds).
The tiny village of St Félix-de-Pallières is 1 km away, whilst the nearest shopping facilities are in the charming small town of Anduze (9 kms), with its cafés, bars, restaurants, antique shops, an excellent wine shop, and a not-to-be-missed flea market on Sunday mornings.
Farther afield are the Roman cities of Nîmes (55 kms) and Orange (75 kms), the university city of Montpellier (65 kms) with some excellent shopping in its ancient centre, as well as Avignon (75 kms) with its Papal palace and its famous bridge. All host important music and other festivals.
The 3 Buildings seen from below
The jewel in the crown is perhaps Uzès (50 kms) with its exceptional Saturday market, its stunning architecture, and its wealth of delightful shops.
"Le Mas du Rey" is 55 kms from Nîmes which has a small international airport and is also a stopping point for the super-fast train, the TGV (700 kms and just 3 hours from Paris!). The nearest entrance to the autoroute (the A9) is also at Nîmes. 65 kms away is the university city of Montpellier which, whilst it has a fairly large international airport, is dwarfed by the one at Marseilles (2 hours' drive).
An outstanding feature of "Le Mas du Rey" is its sense of utter peace and tranquillity, coupled with breathtaking views in an arc stretching from the south west to the east.
It is 350 metres above sea level, ensuring pleasantly hot days and temperate evenings throughout the warmer months.
The view from the south-facing Terrace. A ruined castle can be seen in the distance.
A Description Of The Property
A 400-metre drive winds gently uphill from a minor road (the D133), past the Caretakers' Cottage, to the large parking area and, next to it, the north-facing entrance of the main building, the "Magnanerie Haute". ("Magnanerie" means "silk loft" and was where the silkworms were bred, and the silk then spun).
The "Magnanerie Haute"
- The Front Door opens into a spacious hall
On the left is:
- The utility room: With a clothes washer/tumble dryer, an iron and an ironing board.
On the right:
- Bedroom 1: With a 1.4 metre double bed, and a south-facing window.
- Ensuite Bathroom 1: With a bath, a bidet, and a W.C.
- Stairs descend to Shower Room 1: With a W.C.
The north-facing entrance to the "Magnanerie Haute"
- A corridor leads to a mezzanine floor, with an upright piano, and stairs descending to the sitting room.
At the far end of the Hall, a wide, short flight of steps ascends to:
- The television room: With a large satellite T.V. (receiving both French and English language channels), a DVD and a cassette player.
Further steps ascend to:
- Bedroom 2: With twin single beds, and a west-facing window.
In one corner of the Television Room, stairs ascend to a corridor, off which are:
- Bedroom 3 (The Master Bedroom): With a king-size bed, and windows facing north and east.
- Ensuite Bathroom 2: With a bath, a separate shower, double wash basins, and a W.C.
- Bedroom 4: With a single bed, and a south-facing window.
- Ensuite Shower Room 2
- Separate W.C.
Opening off Bedroom 4 is:
- Bedroom 5: With a small double bed, an occasional single bed, and a south-facing window. (This Bedroom can also be accessed from the corridor).
Also accessed from this corridor is:
- Bedroom 6: With a 1.4 metre double bed, and windows facing south and west.
- Bathroom 3: With a bath, and a W.C.
The Sitting Room of the "Magnanerie Haute". (Also showing the Mezzanine Floor and the upright piano.)
"Le Mas du Rey" is built on a north-south slope, and whilst the rooms next described open onto the south-facing terrace, they are below the Hall (which is on the north side of the building).
Ground Floor
- The large Sitting Room: With a wood-burning fireplace, and French windows opening onto the Terrace.
- The Dining Room: With a table seating 14 comfortably (and 16 at a squeeze!), and French windows opening onto the Terrace.
- Off the Dining Room is the smallish Kitchen: With a 4-hob gas/electric cooker, an oven, a microwave, 2 fridges, a dishwasher, a deepfreeze, a chip-potato fryer etc.
- The south-facing terrace has stunning views, a table seating 18 (shaded by tall trees), plus a charcoal-fired barbecue-on-wheels, sun-beds and a sun umbrella.
The "Magnanerie Haute's" Dining Room
The "Magnanerie Basse"
Situated immediately to the east of the "Magnanerie Haute".
Steps ascend to the west-facing front door, to the right of which is:
- Bedroom 7: With a 1.4 metre double bed, and a window looking west.
The front door opens into an entrance hall, off which are:
- Bedroom 8: With a 1.4 metre double bed, and a window facing south (and overlooking the "Bergerie").
- Bedroom 9: With a 1.4 metre double bed, and windows facing east and south (the latter overlooking the "Bergerie").
- Shower Room 3: With a bidet, and a W.C.
The "Magnanerie Haute". Bedroom 3 (the Master Bedroom)
On the left is:
- The large sitting room: With a wood-burning stove, a small T.V. (French channels only), windows facing west and east, and French windows opening onto:
- The east-facing terrace: With a table seating 6 shaded by an elder tree and a sun umbrella and, beyond it, an extensive lawn with splendid views to the south.
At the far end of the Sitting Room is:
- The dining room: With a table seating 8, a window looking north, and a west-facing French window.
The eastern side of the "Magnanerie Basse"
Off the Dining Room is:
- The kitchen: With a 4-hob electric cooker/oven, a second oven, a fridge/deep freeze, a dishwasher, a microwave, a clothes washer/dryer, and a French window opening onto the Terrace.
Stairs ascend from the Sitting Room to:
- Bedroom 10: With a 1.4 metre double bed, and windows facing west and north.
- Shower Room 4: With a bidet, and a W.C.
- Bedroom 11: With a 1.4 metre double bed, and windows facing east and south.
- Bathroom 4: With a bath, and a bidet.
- Separate W.C.
The "Bergerie"
Situated immediately below the "Magnanerie Basse".
To the left of the south-facing front door is a small, walled Patio equipped with a table and chairs.
The front door opens into:
- The salon: With a dining table seating 4, a wood-burning fireplace, and windows looking south, west and north.
- A kitchenette: With a 2-ring electric hob, an oven, a microwave, and a small fridge.
- Shower Room 5: With a W.C.
Stairs ascend from the Salon to:
- The spacious Bedroom 12: With a magnificent canopied 1.4 metre double bed, a wood-burning fireplace, and windows facing east and south.
- Ensuite Bathroom 5: With a bath, a bidet, double wash basins, and a W.C.
- Ensuite Dressing Room: With fitted cupboards.
The "Magnanerie Basse". Bedroom 10.
The Grounds
"Le Mas du Rey's" 65 hectares comprise a terraced garden, olive groves, vines, truffle oaks, mulberry trees, and much, much else.
3 springs supply the property's needs, in addition to the filtered, crystal-clear drinking water.
600 metres below the "Magnanerie Haute" (and an easy stroll, or 2 minutes by car via a well-made track) is the fenced, filtered swimming pool measuring 14 x 6 metres, 1 metre in depth at the shallow end (with steps into the water), and 2.8 metres at the other. There's a diving board at the deep end, and a shower beside the Pool.
There are plenty of sun-beds and comfortable chairs, plus a table and a sun umbrella. Trees on one side of the Pool provide additional cover, as well as shading cars parked under them. Nearby is the charcoal-fired barbecue.
The Salon in the "Bergerie". With the dining table on the left.
Other Facilities And Information
NB The eastern half of the "Magnanerie Haute" is private, being occupied for a month or two each year by the owner's father. He has his own entrance to the building, his own south-facing Terrace, and all his own facilities. Whilst reasonably sociable, he's a very self-contained man, and should he be "in residence" during all or part of a tenancy, he'll not intrude in any way.
- Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 18 people (including children and babies) staying in all 3 houses at any one time.
- Except perhaps in the low season (October to mid-May) when just 1 or 2 of these 3 buildings may be made available (and the rent calculated accordingly), the property will be rented as a single unit.
- Bed linen, bath and pool towels are provided free of charge, and will be changed each Saturday.
- Apart from changing bed linen and towels once a week, and the "general clean" at the end of each tenancy, the rent includes 2 hours' cleaning on 6 days per week in July and August, and 3 hours per day on 2 days per week in all other months. Any additional hours of work should be agreed with the Cleaner, and should be paid direct by tenants at Euros 15 per hour.
The "Bergerie". Bedroom 12.
- Mme Myrtille Pique is the excellent Provençal-style cook, and the rents include a total of 6 lunches or dinners cooked by her per week. Tennants should pay Mme Pique in Euros on a daily basis for the food and/or drinks purchased by her on their behalves.
- A baby-sitter can probably also be provided for one or more evenings, and the cost established prior to the tenancy.
- The Caretaker, Monsieur Serviantis, is responsible for the maintenance of the garden and the swimming pool. His wages are the owner's responsibility.
- All 3 buildings are centrally or electrically heated.
- Both the "Magnanerie Haute" and the "Magnanerie Basse" have their own telephone number.
- There are 2 cots (with mattresses and bedding), and 2 high chairs.
- There is no alarm system. Tenants are therefore required to lock all outside doors and to close all downstairs windows when leaving the property for any reason.
- Tenants should advise Anglo French Properties Ltd at the end of each rental of any losses, breakages or damages. This is in lieu of an inventory.
Lunching on the south-facing Terrace. The table seats 18.
- There is a selection of English-language books, plus packs of playing cards and various board games.
- There is a ping pong table, plus bats and balls.
- There is a 'boules' and a croquet set, plus a volley ball and a net (volley ball and croquet can be best played on the lawn on the east side of the "Magnanerie Basse", whilst the Terrace in front of the "Magnanerie Haute" makes an excellent 'boules' pitch).
- "Le Mas du Rey" has an Information Folder containing the telephone numbers of a doctor, dentist, plumber, electrician etc, plus other useful numbers and addresses. It contains details (and brochures) on local events and sporting and other activities of all kinds, including markets (and the day/s of the week on which each is held), festivals, concerts, etc. There is also a list of recommended restaurants in various price ranges, plus hints on where and what to buy (pottery is a local speciality).
- No pets belonging to tenants will be allowed in any of the 3 houses at any time. Furthermore, tenants bringing pets to "Le Mas du Rey" should be aware that this is a large property situated in very rural surroundings, in consequence of which the owner accepts no responsibility for any problems or accidents sustained by Lessees' pets either on the property or beyond its boundaries.
- The Cévennes, the vast national park to the north and west of "Le Mas du Rey", is known for its wild and unspoilt beauty, its mountains, forests and rivers, and its inexpensive hospitality. There is canoeing, rafting, kayaking and canyoning in the dramatic Gorges du Tarn and the Gorges de l'Hérault, fabulous walks in all directions for all ages and fitness levels, and skiing in the winter on Mont Lozère.
- Its Musée du Désert ('désert' meaning 'abandoned') relates the fascinating and hugely traumatic history of the Huguenots (Protestants), at one time a significant proportion of the region's population.
- 1 ¼ hours' drive to the south are the wetlands of the Camargue, one of Europe's most important nature reserves, and providing excellent opportunities for riding, bicycling and walking. It's known especially for its pink flamingos, wild horses, and ranches raising fighting bulls, some of which hold 'tientas', i.e. the bloodless testing of the young bulls.
- Beside its wealth of Roman treasures, Nîmes has one of the 5 top bullrings in Europe, ie graded alongside Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.
- The Pont du Gard, one of Rome's most spectacular architectural and engineering triumphs and a World Heritage site, is 1 hour's drive.
- A steam train runs for 13 kms between Auduze and St Jean-du-Gard.
- The country surrounding "Le Mas du Rey" is studded with chateaux, abbeys, churches, museums, and numerous other architectural and cultural gems.
- The local wine is of good quality. Many vineyards encourage visits and sampling, as well as on-the-spot purchases.
- There are indoor and outdoor tennis courts in Anduze, some of which are floodlit. The Information Folder contains reservation instructions.
- The nearest golf course has just 6 holes, and is at Ribaute-les-Tavernes (25 minutes' drive). There are 18-hole courses at Vacquerolles (north of Nîmes), and Montpelier, and 9-hole courses at Uzès and Alès. Details of these and the other many activities are in the Information Folder.
- The nearest beaches, Mediterranean of course, are at La Grande Motte (1¼ hours' drive), where deck chairs and sun umbrellas, plus windsurfers, pedalos etc can be hired.
The Swimming Pool. Seen from above.
- There are equestrian centres in Anduze and Lasalle (30 minutes). There is also a pony-trekking centre in St Hippolyte-du-Fort.
- There are adventure playgrounds near Anduze and Générargues.
- There's a fascinating 2-hectare "bamboo garden" (incorporating a plant centre) near Anduze.
- Bicycles (including mountain bikes) can be hired in Anduze.
- River bathing can be enjoyed in the Gardon near Anduze, as well as at Mialet and at St Jean-du-Gard.
- There are some splendid nearby caves called the Grotte des Demoiselles, plus regular "subterranean safaris" in the Grotte de Trabuc.
- Trout fishing is available on the outskirts of Anduze at Tirfort and Veyrac.
- There is an archery centre in Anduze.
- The Tourist Office in Anduze provides a wealth of information on all these (and many other) activities.
The Rents In 2008
Mid Season
| Month | Price |
|---|---|
| 10th May - 28th June 30th August - 27th September |
£3,550 per week |
High Season
| Month | Price |
|---|---|
| 28th June - 30th August | £4,650 per week |
Low Season
| Month | Price |
|---|---|
| 27th September - 20th December | £2,450 per week |
| Month | Price |
|---|---|
| Easter and Christmas 2008 | Negotiable |
N.B. All the above dates are a Saturday.
N.B. In all Mid and High Season months the property will be let as a single unit and the above rents are calculated as such. However, just one or even 2 of the 3 buildings may be available for rent between 27th September - 20th December, and the price of any such rental/s will be negotiable.
Unless otherwise agreed, all lets are for a minimum of 1 week, and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day (not earlier), and should leave before 10 am on the agreed day of departure. They will be met on arrival at "Le Mas du Rey", and shown how everything works.
The Deposit
A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing a Rental Agreement, with the balance to be paid 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
The Booking And Security Deposit
A Booking and Security Deposit of £500 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of telephone calls made during the tenancy, (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, and (c) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 8 weeks of the tenancy's conclusion.
