Le Haut Refren

La Garde-Freinet, Var

Three bedroom house and annexe cottages of great charm and comfort with spectacular views towards the Bay of St Tropez. Le Haut Refren comprises a 3-bedroom house and two Annexe double bedroom cottages in a truly privileged setting, with breath-taking views over wooded valleys towards the Bay of St Tropez. The design, both inside and out, is the epitome of contemporary elegance and very relaxing.

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Overview

Sleeps: 10

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

2 doubles with en suite bathrooms in the main house
1 twin room with en suite bathroom in the main house
1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom in a separate a larger cottage
1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom in a separate smaller cottage

More information on the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Rent per week

£3500 to £9850 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.

Detailed breakdown of rent by week.

Key features

Spectacular hillside position and views
Superb interior design of great style and elegance
Separate annexe cottages with 2 additional bedrooms
Air conditioning in all bedrooms
10 minute walk from la Garde-Freinet
20 minute drive from St Tropez

Testimonials

"...'We had a wonderful time at Le Haut Refren. It is a beautiful property and with an amazing outlook down to the gulf of St Tropez. Decorated and equipped to a very high standard and with some great touches such as the use of a PC and printer. Ivan and Ithiar were really terrific and nothing was too much trouble for them. We had not realised they provide a service of daily bed making & room cleaning, as well as a significant initial shop to fill the fridge and a daily bakery run to put bread and croissants on our breakfast table. Above and beyond. All very memorable indeed and a last taste of summer as autumn now shows itself. Thank you also for all your kind advice and help to make our visit so lovely Jack.' "

Stephen Hall, Pirbright UK 2023

"...'Le Haut Refren is a really beautiful house with a wonderful garden and great views. The fact that we could walk into the village was a great bonus (there is a charming and very knowledgeable wine merchant in La Garde Freinet!) Although we felt close to the excitement of St Tropez, the house offers tranquility and a feeling of space and calm – very welcome, particularly in the heat of high summer. We travelled as two families and the layout of the accommodation was particularly suited to this. We were very well looked after by the charming couple who live on site. Thoroughly recommended'. "

CJB and DJS, London July 2022.

"...“My family and I spent a very enjoyable week at Le Haut Refren in August, and would heartily recommend it. It is a beautiful and spacious property in a great location. The views from the property over the surrounding hills and valleys to the coast are stunning, and occasionally enlivened by the appearance of mountain goats perching on the nearby rocks. We enjoyed eating in the excellent restaurants in La Garde Freinet and the surrounding towns, and there was a good deal to see and do in the locality. The service was superb at all stages, and we were very well looked after by the two housekeepers. They were even able to recommend quiet and attractive routes for cycling. We will definitely use Anglo French Properties again.'"

Mr and Mrs Hereward Phillpot, Kent, 2022

"...'We could not have enjoyed our week at Le Haut Refren more. It is a quintessential Riviera property set in a beautifully kept garden, secluded and with commanding views down to Port Grimaud and the Gulf of St Tropez. The house has been designed and decorated with an acute eye for detail, with overall levels of comfort and convenience far above average. There are many areas in and around this lovely Provencal farmhouse where one can sit and relax with family and friends, and depending on the time of day, in or out of the shade.The pool area is spectacular, perched on a rocky hillside with extremely comfortable loungers and a summerhouse with drinks cabinet and fridge close at hand. The separate cottages with two bedrooms and ensuite bathroom are charming, offering extra accommodation for guests or older children. The house is approached down a picturesque track through native woodland, and is a twenty minute walk from the centre of La Garde Freinet. Returning uphill from the village may take a little longer! La Garde Freinet has all the shops, bars and restaurants you would expect, and there is a huge additional choice in the wider area. There are plenty of lovely walks, graded from easy to challenging, and taking in some superb views towards the the Reserve Naturelle Plaine des Maures to the North West and the Golfe de St Tropez to the South East, most of which are accessible from the village without the need for a car. Le Haut Refren is definitely one of the best houses we have stayed in. A gem in the Var! "

Ben Rimington Wilson, Yorkshire, England

The House and Accommodation

Living Area

a large, open plan room, comprising the Sitting Room, Dining Area and Kitchen, with golden oak floors and beamed ceilings. It is flooded with sunlight through several French doors, which open onto the Terrace and provide panoramic views towards the bay of St Tropez. The Sitting Room has two comfortable sofas, satellite TV and a working fireplace. The Dining Area has a table seating 8 and the modern, oak Kitchen includes a large range cooker, an American-style fridge/freezer and 2 dishwashers.

The Sitting Room

A comfortable, spacious family room with two sofas, two armchairs and a coffee table. There is also a cards table set up with chairs and a chess set, a separate drinks table and chaise long.  There is a backgammon set and numerous board games including scrabble, trivial pursuit, puzzles and playing cards. There is a wood burning stove within a large traditional fireplace.

The Games Room

A huge room of barn like character with exposed beams, natural stone walls, a concrete floor and  windows for light on both East and West side. There is a large raised wooden mezzanine/stage at the Northern end. The main area of the barn (20m X 10m) lends itself to a wide variety of uses – table tennis, indoor football, indoor cricket, dancing, partying or group exercise of any sort. Should you experience a wet day this is a splendid place for children to let off steam.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Bedroom 1 – the master bedroom

With exposed beams, double bed, built-in wardrobes and a satellite TV. French windows open onto a south-facing Terrace which runs along the front of the house. The ensuite Shower Room 1 has a walk-in shower, twin washbasins, a bidet, and a W.C.

Bedroom 2

With double bed, built-in wardrobes, a satellite TV and a window looking south. The ensuite Shower Room 2 has a walk-in shower, a washbasin and a W.C.

Bedroom 3 – twin room

With two single beds, built-in wardrobes, a satellite TV and a south-facing window. French windows lead to a small, west-facing Terrace. The ensuite Shower Room 3 has a walk-in shower, a washbasin, a W.C.

Bedroom 4

Is in the Larger Cottage and has a comfortable living Area/Bedroom , a working fireplace, 2 windows and a French window facing south. Its Bedroom (4) has a large four-poster bed, built-in wardrobes and a satellite TV. The ensuite Shower Room (4) has a walk-in shower, a washbasin and a W.C.

Bedroom 5

Is in the smaller cottage. Wooden steps (which can be lit at night) descend to a charming Smaller Cottage which contains Bedroom 5 with a double bed and ensuite shower room with walk in shower, WC and washbasin.

NB: there is air conditioning in all the bedrooms as well as safes.

Garden and Grounds

Le Haut Refren stands in approximately 4 hectares (10 acres) which are terraced, both above and below the house. It is utterly private and peaceful, with spectacular views over the wooded valleys below towards the Bay of St Tropez. The town itself can be seen in the distance. The upper Terraces form an established olive grove, and the garden has a wide variety of trees – yews, holm and cork oaks, figs, almonds and pines amongst others, as well as shrubs and masses of lavender, rosemary and santolinas.

Swimming Pool

Steps descend from the Terrace in front of the Main House to a lawn, and then to the L-shaped, alarmed swimming pool which is 24ft long and 7ft wide. There are wide steps into the shallow end, which is 4ft deep, shelving to 8ft at the other end. The Pool is surrounded by 8 sunbeds, many of which are shaded by the surrounding trees.

If required, the Pool can be heated at a charge to be confirmed. This should be unnecessary other than in cold weather.

Location

Le Haut Refren has a very secluded and panoramic setting, 10-minutes’ walk from the large village of La Garde-Freinet. It is about 2 kms from the D558 which climbs between Grimaud and La Garde-Freinet and 20 kms south east of the A8 autoroute (the exit is signposted “Le Luc/Le Cannet”).

La Garde-Freinet has a true Provençal “feel” with very reasonable shopping facilities and a number of local restaurants. There is also good shopping at Cogolin (12 kms to the south west), including Leclerc and Géant supermarkets.

The house is 9 kms from the nearest beach (at Port Grimaud), 21 kms from St. Tropez. An hour’s drive is elegant Aix-en-Provence with its music and opera festivals, and its many art galleries and museums.

Additional Buildings, terraces and eating areas

Breakfast Terrace – with a stone table seating 8. A path leads to the pedestrian gate next to the main entrance gates.

There are 3 large Terraces, all with stunning views to the south. The Zen Terrace is at the east end of the House where guests can dine at a table created from a hewn rock in the shade of an overhanging mulberry tree. To the west is a covered Terrace with comfortable armchairs grouped round a fireplace, and beyond this, and linking the House to the Cottage, is a newly-constructed Terrace in local stone with seating around a glass table, and a beautiful stone barbecue. All perfect for outside entertaining.

Below the Pool is a small lawn, at the end of which is a Pool House containing a fridge/freezer, a kettle, coffee cups and glasses.

How to get there

Airports

1 hour’s drive from Nice airport
1 hours drive from Toulon airport

Train

The TGV: stops at both Cannes (¾ of an hour’s drive) and at Nice.

Things to see and do nearby

Golf

There are several good 18-hole golf courses in the vicinity, the majority of which are listed in the Information Books. The nearest are Beauvallon and Ste Maxime, whilst St. Endréol, Barbaroux, Château de Toulane and Valcros are outstanding.

Restaurants

The best beaches are probably Pampelonne (with its ‘Club 55’), Gigaro and Cavalaire (all south of St. Tropez) and boats can be hired at Port Grimaud to take passengers direct to these beaches.

Boat Trips

There are boat trips to the Isles d’Hyères, (Porquerolles being the largest of these islands). There are also boat services across the Bay of St Tropez from Port Grimaud.

Riding

A livery stable on the road between Grimaud and Cogolin offers riding lessons as well as trekking in the surrounding hills.

Watersports

Port Grimaud offers children-friendly sailing, water-skiing and wind-surfing lessons.

Walks

There are some marvellous walks and mountain-bike trails in the vicinity. Bicycles can be hired in Cogolin.

Go-carting

There’s a go-karting circuit between Grimaud and Port Grimaud.

Train

Small children will enjoy the “little train” which runs between Grimaud and Port Grimaud.

Local villages

In addition to La Garde-Freinet, there are many pretty villages well worth a visit – Grimaud and Port Grimaud, Plan de la Tour, Gassin, Ramatuelle, Bormes les Mimosas and Collobrières, to name but a few.

Tennis

There are nearby tennis courts on the hill opposite Le Haut Refren, and a tennis club in Grimaud where lessons can be arranged.

Tourist office

La Garde-Freinet, Grimaud and St Tropez also have much useful information.

Vineyards and wine

A number of local vineyards encourage visits as well as tastings and purchases. There’s also an excellently priced wine co-operative on the road between Grimaud and Ste Maxime.

Additional Information

Arrival welcome and departure: Tenants will be met on arrival and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out.
Wifi and Broadband: There is wifi broadband internet access. There is also a printer which can be connected via WiFI or USB cable. There is a telephone for incoming calls only. Mobile phone signal is generally good and the WiFi is very reliable for mobiles too.
Housebook: There is a housebook kept at the property that gives further information as appropriate on all aspects relating to the property and surrounding areas.
Music and TV: The satellite TV’s in the Living Room and Bedrooms have English and European channels. There’s an I-pod docking station in the Sitting Room. There are DVD players and a large Library of DVDs. A PC with a printer is available for guest use in the main Living Area.
Services included: There is a full-time couple who live in a separate flat below the Main House, and who provide a discreet service. They set up the Terraces and the Pool area on a daily basis, and clean the House and Cottage including the Kitchen and Bathrooms, and make the beds.
Optional / additional services available: Moored in Port Grimaud, 15 minutes from the house, is a Riverama 44 speedboat available for hire at a daily rate plus skipper and fuel. Details can be obtained from Anglo French Properties.
Utilities: Laundry Room is fully-equipped, with a washing machine and tumble dryer, irons and an ironing board, and a second large fridge/freezer.
Air conditioning and heating: There is air conditioning in all bedrooms. There are fans in all the Bedrooms as well as in the Living Area. There are electric heaters in all the Bedrooms and in the Cottage – this is an all-year-round property.
Children: There’s a high chair and a travel cot with bedding.
Car Parking: There is parking outside and inside the entrance gates.

Rents
2024
Period Weekly rate
1st January  – 11th May £3,500
11th May – 25th May £6,000
25th May – 1st June £6,500
1st June – 8th June £6,750
8th June – 15th June £7,500
15th June – 29th June £8,950
29th June – 31st August £9,850
31st August – 21st September £5,750
21st September – 26th October £5,250
26th October – 28th December £3,500
Terms and Conditions

The Booking Process – A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.

Security Deposit – A Booking and Security Deposit of £600 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover: (a) heating the swimming pool (if required) and (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental. It will be returned within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy, less any quantified deductions. Tenants should advise Anglo French Properties Ltd at the end of each rental of any breakages, losses and/or damages.

Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.

Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.

Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 10 people (including children and babies) staying in the property at any one time.

Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows and shutters are closed, and that the alarm should be switched on when tenants are away from the property.

Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.

Heating costs are included: The heating costs are included in the rental price. If pool heating is required however this will be at an additional cost – however in the summer it is unlikely that this would be necessary.

Linen and towels: Bed linen and bath towels are provided free of charge and will be changed weekly. Pool towels are also provided and will be changed daily. Beach towels are available on request.

Pets: No Pets

Smoking allowed: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.

Internet access: yes, included in the rental price.

Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.

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