Horticultural Heaven

The Provence region isn't exactly short of beautiful outside spaces, but the 20 acres of grounds surrounding this home are up there with the most impressive – and best of all, you get these all to yourself.

The landscaped gardens are blissful to wander through on warm afternoons and the ponds filled with water lilies will have any budding Monets reaching for their easel. It's not just easy on the eye, however – the pair of swimming pools, tennis court and children's play equipment will keep guests of all ages entertained, while the barbecue and alfresco dining table will ensure you can have open-air feasts that stretch on long after sunset.

Although you're sure to be spending countless hours in the gardens, the recently renovated living quarters are also quite mesmerising. For a start, lunches in the garden dining room filled with plants and huge windows will be unforgettable. The bright and contemporary lounge has bundles of charm, as do the super-sleek bathrooms with freestanding tubs begging for a soak.

When treated to gardens such as these, you might not see much point in exploring beyond the home's boundaries. However, the village of Noves is one kilometre away if you change your mind and the city of Avignon is only a 15-kilometre car journey, too.

Home truths:
*Eight of the bedrooms are on the first and second floors of the main house, while the remaining two are in the ground-level garden suite – these aren't wheelchair accessible though
*Bedrooms four and five are adjoining rooms, ideal for a family
*Your host can provide four cots, four high chairs and a range of other child-friendly amenities for free upon request
*There's only air conditioning in the living room and seven of the bedrooms
*The maximum guest capacity is sixteen adults and two children, with the attic dormitory and a small single room only suitable for younger guests
*Daily maid service and Continental breakfasts are included in the price
*There's a French- and English-speaking caretaker who lives on the site