Bienvenue à La Buissonade!
Welcome to the cottage that we rented during our recent escape to the Luberon. Bah, I say the Luberon because I know that will catch your attention. You might nod your head knowingly, having read the canon of a certain Mr. Mayle. But I will admit we were an entire three kilometres over the border into the neighbouring region, Les Alpes de Haute-Provence. And oooh what a difference that mile makes! You see, just to the North lies the Plateau d’Albion, which until 1999 was home to France’s land-based nuclear missile base. And the reputation taints the area still. Tant mieux pour nous, quoi. All the more room for us. Because the region is absolutely splendiferously gorgeous. You can fight amongst the hordes to see the lavender fields at the Abbaye de Senanque near Gordes if you want but I’ll be here instead, languorously cruising along these blue hills that run up and over the horizon. Forget the bling and bring on Banon–cheese that is. What? This is all starting to ring a bell? Why thank you, yes, we have been to this wonderful corner of Provence before, twice actually and both times were head over heels. Or muzzle over paws.
Now that we have two puppers, including a new one who has a tendency to chase after cats–let alone chickens–the charming cabanon from our previous stays was no longer a viable option for us. Luckily, a cottage that I had found on my initial search was now available! And in the first of many kind gestures of Véronique and Evencio, our amazing hosts, we were welcome to come a night early to boot.
Are you ready to discover this delightfully cozy cottage?
Come on up and step into the spacious living room…
…have a seat on the canapé, where you can look out the glass front door to see…
…the front garden with its wood-fired BBQ and then onto Simiane-la-Rotonde, which sparkles star-like in the evening.
Or turn over your left shoulder to gaze out on to the lavender fields…
…where at dusk we would spy deer and wild boar grazing.
In need of a restorative tea after your journey? Yes, well then there is room at the antique wooden table.
Sit and let the light flood over you. You are on vacation, you have nothing to do now but relax.
Unless…well, I know very well that for many of you, an immediate selling point would be the over-stocked English language bookcase that could inspire even the most literary amongst us…
…yes, there is plenty of Stephen King but also Jeanette Winterston, A.S. Byatt, the Austen Sisters, Cervantes, Frances Mayes, Shakespeare, James Joyce…I could go on. Book Heaven and so completely unexpected.
But if you are at all like us, you love to cook. Not to worry, m`sieurs-dames, the kitchen has everything you need and then some. Although honestly, if we could have rustled up our breakfast on that smoky BBQ, we probably would have.
Now, I know I said ‘cozy’ but the cottage is big. A wonder for two people and the clic-clac in the living room folds out for the little ‘uns.
And after the literal ‘water closet’ of our current apartment, the bath, with an Italian shower and zinging water pressure was a true luxury in itself.
But la luxe is not the point at La Buissonade, true comfort is. The kind that I didn’t really begin to appreciate, fool that I am, until a few days in (Remi wasted no time at all). Such as in the bedroom…
…with its layers of bedding, princess and the pea, that opened up onto…
…the sweetest little terrace, the first spot to receive the morning sun. We had lunch there every day we could and even a few when we shouldn’t have.
Because the outdoor spaces have much to offer, so let’s step outside…
…and hide, perhaps, under the trellised arbor. Well, it isn’t quite the season yet, but can you imagine what a refuge it would be when the vines create cool shadow in August and burn to red leaves in autumn?
Beware of the ferocious guard dog. He is keeping patrol over entry into the cottage’s private side garden…
…overlooking a mini-unsmelly swamp–hence the property’s name–it is equipped with a bench and table for the first coffee of the morning and glass of wine of the apéro…
…as well as two chaise-longues to push under the Weeping Willow.
It is a perfect spot for breakfast of delicious pastries from the bakery that is just a two minute drive up the road. It is a place to linger and take in all of the ambiances…
And at the end of the day, how perfect to light a roaring fire and snuggle into the silence…
We all felt right at home at La Buissonade…
…and I can’t wait to go back.
La Buissonade
Route de Banon
04150 Simiane-la-Rotonde
Contact Véronique at: (+33) 6 20 64 21 08 or by Tel./Fax at: (+33) 4 86 90 11 17
Email: veroniquenitar@aol.fr
Book en English through French Connections and see the photos of the house in full season: here.
Some final things to know:
Véronique rents mainly to Anglophones and is fluent in English. She has also made several maps and guides for the guests of the cottage that are charming.
The current rate is 290€ per week, going up to 390€ per week in high season (mid-June through mid-September). Very, very reasonable.
Some of you expressed interest in the previous cabanon but said that you feared it was too isolated. This cottage would be a better option. Yes, the owner’s house is attached next door but they are incredibly discreet if that is what you prefer. But even I, who usually prefers to be left alone, found myself seeking their fine company, however. It is also just off of the main road between Simaine-la-Rotonde and Banon but we could barely hear road traffic and were delighted to have immediate access to where we were going. There is a tiny supermarket at Simiane with the basics and everything you need in Banon, at ten minutes away, including two markets on Tuesday and Saturday. Apt, the closest city, is only a little over twenty minutes away (where there is an excellent wine co-operative, Sylla). The cottage is also incredibly well-protected. I felt very, very safe. The gardens are closed with a fence (fantastic for our puppers) and the owners have a very, very sweet dog who happens to be a great guard. Again, this is the country and there can be black flies in the area, especially in July and August. But we loved our time here and I will do a follow-up post to explain yet another reason why it is so special…to give you a hint: Véronique and Evencio have a catering business…
Happy trails!
Disown you?!? NEVER! But I admit I had to go back to see…WHAT is she talking about? 😉 But you made me appreciate it!!
Amelia, how I love your turn of phrase!
I think that you would love it there, Loree and the country around it too.
Miss you Julia!!! And you are too busy to go anywhere! 😉
Oh, Wyn–that Villa looks wonderful!!! And it doesn't surprise me that you compared it to this part of the Luberon–there is definitely overlap in elegant rusticity and quality of life! So many similarities…
Oooh you are so brave! But honestly, I have never ever heard of someone having a bad experience with a home exchange. I would do it if we didn't have Remi's equipment and archives here.
And I don't know if they will get enquiries but they are the NICEST people–I hope so!
Christine, I am glad that you agree about the price. I really think it is a steal. It is only a little over 40€ a night!
Sister, they were SO generous with us already!!! Trust me. And no, no word back yet but Veronique might be out of town.
Still wondering if the owner have seen this amazing post about their property?? I don't know how much advertising they do, but they should always include a link to this post, and methinks the sumptuous promotion of their property could warrant one free week for you and Remi, non? : )
I think you'll laugh…and possibly disown me….but the image I keep going back to here is that fabulous barn door, with the z frame…oh it's so very beautiful…utter magic…
you see…I'm a simple soul and easily pleased…
but truly this looks quite fabulous, no wonder you all enjoyed it so much.
Beautiful pictures and my fav is of the guard dog at the entrance to the inner sanctum…:) Lovely place away from the beaten paths and the maddening crowd. Also very charming rental.
xx Amelia
How cozy and charming. I wish i could escape for a visit right now. I know the place would soothe my soul.
très jolie and very cozy. i think i might need to go there soon*
love from berlin xxx julia
Imagine Giampi roaring up the BBQ while you sit back with a glass of rosé in hand…
I did HOURS and HOURS of research Karena! But thank you–you would love it there! 🙂
Just think of the writing you could do!!!
xo,
h
Oh it is so true–yes, of course you would love this cottage! It is simple but as we both know, the simple pleasures are often the finest…save when it comes to shoes of course…
Oh I am so glad to hear that you got this far North, Nancy. While Bonnieux and the likes really are beautiful, there is so much else to see and appreciate…
Just for the reading possibilities alone I think that you would need to stay for a month, Judith!
Thank you, Edgar but if you do come to this part of France with Mrs. Abstract you will see that all you have to do is point and shoot, the beauty is everywhere and yes, it is heady stuff.
With fine eats a plenty, Mr. Laoch. We even had a côte de Boeuf on Easter that would rival yours of last week…
Oooh, you know very well not to come between Ben and his croissant leftovers!! And maybe we should try to make a visit to that area the next time you over…:)
Wow – this reminds me of a stay in Villa Melazzano in Greve Tuscany – I know – lots of Klms away from you and a different country but – this same rustic – wonderful ancient feel to it permeated every beam and stone in the building – we were able to wander down to the local village square and point at meats and breads and wine and stroll home to enjoy!! You have recreated this dream!!
Hi Heather
Thanks for showing another side to the tourist France. This place looks idyllic.
Your photos are superb. I am sure your friends will get lots of enquiries.
Will keep it in mind for a future visit. We are trying a home exchange in France this year- our first time!
Nicole
Looks fantastic… the prices are really reasonable too. Great escape! Your photos make it look so peaceful and inviting. Thanks
What an ideal escape!Looks perfect!
Heather how charming! I love the stone walls and that bed looks so comfy.
Then the kitchen space, it goes on and on, especially the outdoor areas!
You are so fortunate to find these spots!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I want to go there now and stay forever. XXXXXX
This looks like a wondrous place, Heather! (Your photographs, as usual, gorgeous.)
Give me that trellised arbor, the Marcel Pagnol (charmant!)… and then that fabulous shower.
Le paradis.
Beautiful! Have visited the Luberon and Les Alpes des Haute Provence in 2008 and adored it. Would love to return…your little country cottage looks so inviting.
If I went there, I'd never leave. I especially love the photos that play with shadows and light — and of course the portrait of the big, brave guard dog captured my heart too!
Hi Heather,
To experience time in a pastoral blissful place like what you described with photos and narrative can heal a fragile soul. Breakfast on the terrace with of scent of lavender can bring a full day of contentment.
What remains is for Mrs. Abstract and I to visit Provence.
The photos are splendid.
edgar
Looks like a very soothing spot.
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Ahhh – I feel more relaxed just looking at those photos! How beautiful, made more so by your style and prose. Wait until the owners see this – they will be thrilled! I'm sold – my only hesitation is the ferocious guard dogs on the property (Ben and Kipling – joke)!