Built into the hillside, just over 15 years ago, L'Arbousier is spacious and very comfortably furnished, with spectacular views of the Vernazobres valley. Peacefully located but less than a five minute drive to the centre of St Chinian - with a sheltered swimming pool, terraces and gardens - four bedrooms to sleep up to eight - this is a house in which to truly relax and restore the spirit.

Accommodation

click here for prices

L'Arbousier is built on two levels, the upper level being the main living accommodation.  Coming up the staircase you enter into the Sunroom, furnished with comfortable rattan furniture and a large dining table seating eight - this large airy room, has magnificent panoramic views over the valley and is a perfect place in which to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal at the end of the day, whilst watching the sun dipping behind the hills, creating spectacular sunsets. Leading off this room is a large sun deck, partly covered, with an outdoor table and again seating for eight.

click here for a larger picture of the terrace

Walking into the main house from the sunroom through double glass doors, you enter into the Living Room - a large room with a fifteen foot high beamed ceiling - cool in summer and warmed in winter by a large open log fire- this room is very attractively furnished and can comfortably seat eight, having three sofas and occasional chairs - Satellite TV, radio, CD and tape for entertainment. This room has two windows overlooking the hillside and doors leading out into the colourful Mediterranean courtyard.

   

click here for a larger picture of the courtyard

Leading off from the Living Room through double glass doors you enter into the galley kitchen - fully equipped with electric oven, five burner gas cooker, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.

A washing machine is provided downstairs in the laundry room. Beside the kitchen is a cloakroom with WC and washbasin, and beyond, the corridor, leading to the bedrooms. The swimming pool is just a few steps up from the courtyard, and is surrounded by terraces from where you have magnificent views.

   
click on the images for a larger view

Bedroom 1 is a large comfortably furnished room with a king size double bed, built in wardrobes, and window overlooking the sun deck and valley beyond. This room has an ensuite shower, WC, bidet and washbasin.

   

Bedroom 2 is a very comfortably furnished room, again with a king size double bed built in wardrobes and windows on two elevations - this room shares a bathroom with Bedroom 3. Bathroom 2 is equipped with a bath with overhead shower, WC and washbasin

Bedroom 3 is a delightful room, well furnished with two 3 foot twin beds (these can be clipped together to form a double bed), and double glass doors leading to the abri jardin - a beautifully cool area even in the height of summer - and to the courtyard beyond.

The abri jardin has table and chairs and is the perfect place to sit to have a lunch when the sun is at its highest - there is a barbecue in the courtyard and rosemary, thyme and sage bushes are all on hand for the more adventurous cook!

Bedroom 4 is on the lower level, approached via a small sitting room with kitchenette. This sitting room has a microwave, fridge and coffee making machine - perfect for those wanting an early breakfast before the remainder of the house are about. This room has double glass doors looking out over the valley and beyond to the hills.

Bedroom 4 has two three foot twin beds ( these can be clipped together to form a double bed) - there is a built in wardrobe, dressing table and a window overlooking the southern aspect. Bedroom 4 has its own private tiled bathroom with bath, shower, WC, bidet and vanitory washbasin.

  
view from the terrace (left) and from the hill behind the house

All the rooms have electric heating for all year round rentals.

L'Arbousier has much to offer - whether you are lying by the pool soaking up the rays of the sun beside the Strawberry Tree, from which L'Arbousier is named, or in the cool abri jardin, quietly reading a book in the shade, or sitting on the sundeck watching the changing light of the sky, the magic of the area cannot fail to touch you.