Owner profile
About the owner
We're a hardworking couple writing books, making films and doing research. The premise is used also for our professional work with a perfect studio environment. Our children are also in the field of research and studying so there's books all over the place and lots of musical options.
Year purchased: 1998
Why the owner chose a home in this location
We fell in love with the house and could not stop thinking about it when the snow fell in Sweden.The house needed to be taken care of – it was a true challenge to restore an original building without destroying its original beauty. Le Castelet was originally a castel overlooking the surrounding mountains. One part of the stone walls originates from the Roman period, but most parts of the bastide was constructed during the medieval time. It is a calm area where you wake up to the singing of the birds and still it is close to Nice Airport and the Med. One can even see the fireworks in Cannes during the festivals from the premise – but without having the congestion! There is a canal meandering in the nature just five minutes away, perfect for jogging and there are small villages close by.
Unique benefits of the property
Every time upon arriving to le Castelet is a small wonder; we change perspectives, the stress is literally fading away, the computer life is not important any more, the big stove and the fire place has far more attraction. The kids – nowadays youngsters -are There, not like at home where we hardly see them. Just being together is fantastic and the place is big enough for always welcoming friends to stay. We play the piano, listen to music, stroll in the gardens or decide to go for a boule round or a swimming tour. As a matter of fact we rarely leave le Castelet even though the Med is just half an hour away. Well we might go for an early dive when the sun rises or in October-November when the sea is still warm and the tourists have gone.This must be one of the very best spots of Europe.
Guestbook
A sample of genuine comments by previous tenants
Outstanding - unbelievable
Wow what a venue, the views, the facilities, the perfect place for
a group holiday. Outdoors - gas BBQ, two infinity pools, boules court,
grapes, scenery to die for! Indoors - wonderful elegant bedrooms, bathrooms
and living space. I could not fault the setting. It was a wonderful experience
- although I am waiting for news on the deposit and the place was left
very well presented. Also the hot tub did not work on several days.
Reviewed October 1, 2013
Paradise Found
We stayed at the villa with friends who had not visited the south
of France, this was the best introduction I could have hoped for them,
the villa has been equipped with some of the finest facilities the pools
are brilliant, but the views across to the bay of Cannes are something
that we will never forget, my friends fell in love with the south of France
and it was in part because of the villa. I would recommend if you stay
do some research on the towns to visit, Saint Paul de Vance, Mougins,
and Grasse are very good I am sure there are more, some of us did the
perfume experience which even at 45 euro was very good but make sure when
you book it is the day they teach in your language. I would not hesitate
to recommend this villa to anyone; we hope to be going back soon!
Reviewed September 2, 2013
Surely the best villa the South of France has to offer...
We had an amazing week at Le Castelet - it proved to be the perfect
place for our family to relax and spend some quality time together in
the most stunning setting. The facilities were everything we needed -
and more; the pools were the most impressive we have ever experienced
in a villa, the rooms and beds all so comfortable, the gardens were beautifully
kept, the views were fantastic and the sense of space, both inside and
out, was ideal. A special mention must go to Bruno for the discreet delivery
of croissants and baguettes every morning - the perfect start to every
day. Such was the pleasure of staying at Le Castelet that we had little
inclination to do any day trips, as we so enjoyed just relaxing by the
pool or sipping our rose in the jacuzzi! An unforgettable holiday, surpassing
any of our previous villa experiences.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
Memorable stay at Le Castelet
My family, aged 5 to 76, had a truly memorable time at Le Castelet,
where we spent one week in July to celebrate my 50th birthday. I could
not have chosen a better place. It was a feast for all! The two stylishly
decorated houses and extended garden spaces are beautiful, very accommodating,
comfortable and spaciously laid out, which means that everyone in our
party (we were 8 adults and 7 children) could also find a moment for him-
or herself in addition to all the joyful moments we spent together cooking,
swimming (the two infinity pools are wonderful), lounging, taking in the
great views, playing boules, walking, etc. We also hired a cook one evening.
Great fun. He prepared a perfect meal based on a couple of basic suggestions
I had given.
Owners Bi and Peter are lovely and very helpful people, wanting to make
sure that we would have a fantastic week.
I can truly say that everyone in our party had a wonderful and memorable
experience and will think back to that special week at Le Castelet for
a long time to come.
Reviewed August 19, 2013
Serene and beautiful
Bastide Le Castelet was the perfect spot for our large retreat. Its
second smaller pool was the most beautiful infinity pool I have ever swam
in. Looking across the valley every evening with the moonlight and cypress
trees...you could truly see Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night before you.
The villas and rooms were spacious and well stocked, there was plenty
of large spaces for big gathering and our conference presentations, but
also plenty of quiet places for conversation and relaxation. A couple
of the bedrooms in the new house had perfectly designed bathrooms and
views, and the kitchens, outdoor grill, stone oven, had everything we
needed. All over wifi and apple airplay for everyone's devices was also
a treat.
Reviewed September 6, 2013
Absolutely Fabulous Property
We stayed for a week at Le Castelet in mid August. We were a large
extended family group ranging in age from 11 to very old! (my mother would
not thank me if I put her age on the internet). The property was perfect
for us. My parents used the lift to travel between their bedroom, the
main living accommodation and the pool terrace. The property is very beautiful
and the views from the two infinity pools stunning. There are many gorgeous
villages in the area to explore but because the house was so lovely we
spent a lot of time there, playing boules, making pizzas etc. The property
has been used as a home by the owners and contains lots of their possessions
and high tech equipment. We felt very lucky to be staying there. We met
the owners when we arrived and they gave us a very thorough show around
to explain how everything worked. It is a massive house and we did need
to contact the owners from time to time to ask how to do things. They
were always very helpful. The property is expensive but we thought it
worth it. The security deposit was returned on time with deductions made
as set out in the rental agreement. Large deductions were made for electricity,
vat, and final cleaning but it is a big house and we used a lot or air
conditioning, lifts etc. Overall, we all thought it was without doubt
the most fabulous property that we had ever stayed at and we would love
to return.
Reviewed November 12, 2012
Le Castelet is a magnificent place for your dream holiday
Le Castelet is a magnificent place for a relaxed but stylish holiday.
We were a group of six families with 12 adults and 12 children ranging
from 4 to 16 years of age. The property is so large with the main building,
and side buildings, two pools and the petanque area that it easily accomodates
such a group. The whole property is stunning and well kept. The most beautiful
areas are the main building itself, the vast terraces including the outdoor
dining area, and the main pool area together with the outdoor kitchen
and barbecue. We would love to go to Le Castelet again.
Reviewed December 3, 2012
An idyllic location for a family holiday
This is an idyllic location for a family holiday which managed to
satisfy a large family ranging in age from under 10s to 80 year olds.
The most outstanding feature is the variety of locations on the property,
so that we could enjoy a different view – all stunning – with our pre-prandial
drinks every evening, and we were able to have lunch in a different spot
every day. My own favourite was down by the goat shed, where we were able
to stage a wine tasting surrounded by a real vineyard. The pools are both
wonderful and there are so many locations for people to sneak away from
the main group for a bit of privacy. Given all the features of this property
and the proximity of great hill-top spots to visit such as St Paul de
Vence, Mougins and our own favourite, Cabris, I find it hard to think
of any way this holiday could have been bettered. The house itself is
fascinating and gives a genuine – if quirky – sense of the owners’ personality.
We have been going to big properties in Southern France and Tuscany for
many years as a family and this is undoubtedly our favourite.
Reviewed November 16, 2012
Wow - yet again Le Castelet gave my family the most magical holiday
This was our fourth stay at Le Castelet and in all respects it was
perfect.The Bastide is stunning and has been beautifully finished and
has the most breath taking views.The accomodation is of an exceptionally
high standard and is undoubtedly unique because it can accomodate large
parties in a relaxed and flexible manner.The age range of our party is
85 years - 9 years.The gardens and pools are also beautiful.The surrounding
area is heaped in all good things you want on a holiday - culture, restaurants,
art, cycling and still we discover more.This year my nephew and girl friend
hosted a wine tasting in the Cabanon by the vineyard and it was such good
fun and the most perfect setting.
Every year we have arranged everything through Bi Puranen and we are extremely
grateful to her and her family for allowing us to stay in such a magical
place.We have stayed in other places and they have never met the mark
of Le Castelet.
Reviewed November 16, 2012
Earlier impressions from the guests:
“We enjoy a lot your magnificent Bastide. All my party has his best
stay ever. We love Le Castelet, we love the location, we love the pools....”,
all my party still dream about Le Castelet...”
J-F Bourne, June 2010, St Barth
“Tomorrow we are leaving after a superb week. Wonderfull house en atmosphere! Everyone very very positive.”
Rienstra, The Netherlands, July 2010
”Your house is very beautiful as you know and we had a fantastic time. The pool arrangement and the out door kitchen truly was perfect for children. It was a memorable week for all.
I will certainly recommend Le Castelet to all of our friends.”
Dix, Ohio, USA, July 2010
“Thank you for allowing my family to stay in your amazing home - we had an unforgettable time.
This was our sixth family holiday and we have been to some fantastic places and stayed in beautiful houses – Tuscany ,the Alps ,Majorca etc but it was a unanimous vote that this was indeed the best for lots of reasons. The house has been beautifully refurbished - we would love to know more of the history.”
Brandon, UK, August, 2010
“Just to say that we very much enjoyed your house and my Birthday week was a very successful week.
The house is wonderful and sunshine does a lot of good.
I think most guest enjoyed the pools best, we split in ladies and gentlemen’s side!”
Groot, UAE August 2010
“We just love Le Castelet. It is so beautiful here! We all had a lovely time at Le Castelet. It was so beautiful and more amazing then we expected”.
King, UK, September 2010
“I attach some photographs from the wedding. We’ve had a great time and Le Castelet was a very good choice!”
Wedding at le Castelet, UK Sept 2010
“Well, we are back from France and the 9 days at Le Castelet was definitely the highlight! Everything went brilliantly! We had a wonderful week - hopefully we will get back to Le Castelet in the next year or two!”
Wade, Australia October 2010
Notes on accommodation and surroundings
The premise
The two houses will be rented together. Each house has its own pool and private areas. The cabanon situated in the vineyard and the bouleplace with it petite abri can be used by both houses. If the Bastide is rented for a bigger party/dinner the two pool rooms can be furnished as a reception area and seated dinners. The pool kitchen is equipped with charcoal barbeque, a pizza oven, wokstove and normal kitchen amenities. After dinner, sofas in oriental style at the pool side.
Accessibility
The Bastide has been adapted for wheelchair users (6 of the bedrooms). Elevator between the two floors and the pool area. Stairs to parts of the garden and the vineyard. Security alarms in both pools.
Outside
Beautiful stone walls and large lawns, large terraced tropical gardens with palm trees, olive, lemon, clementine, oranges, grapefruit and scenting of rosemary, thyme and lavender. Vineyard and olive grove for peaceful rests under the trees. Several large private sun terraces furnished with dining tables, sun lounges.
The Bastide pool with overflow is 23m x 8 m, depth 1,20 - 2,50 m. Lighted and with underwater loudspeakers. Outside showers with hot water. Outside spa 3m x 3m (16 people) also heated in winter time.
The Guest house pool with overflow is 20m x 4m, depth 1,10 - 1,80m. Can be heated and illuminated and with underwater loudspeakers. Outside showers.
At night you will enjoy the illuminated garden and pools.
Tennis courts, 10 mins away. A meandering canal for silent strolls just minutes away.
The Med
20-25 min drive to Cannes, la Napoul/Mandelieu beaches.
Golf
Saint Donat,
distance: 10 min.
Claux-Amic Golf Grasse, distance: 10 min.
Golf Old Course Mandelieu, distance: 25 min.
Skiing
The nearest ski resort is 40 mins away at Gréolières les Neiges. The major resorts of Auron and Isola 2000 and Valberg are within 1h30 minutes' drive. The slopes are usually open from about mid December to end of March. Artificial snow-making machines. Good restaurants in the slopes. Excellent to go just for the day and return for dinner in the evening.
Travel
Nice Aeroport Côte d'Azur: 35 minutes. A road description will be sent to you and use of car is necessary. Parking place for 10-12 cars on the property.
Surroundings
In the two small villages Cabris and Peymeinade (walking distance if you have good legs) you will find all you need, supermarket, shops, bars, cafés, weekly markets, bakeries, butchers and good restaurants. 10 min away you will find the famous two-star restaurant Bastide Saint Antoine and in Grasse you can eat really good Oriental food.
The famous perfume town Grasse with its old picturesque town is only 10 min away. The house is situated in between the two original villages Cabris and Peymeinade where you find the typical Provencal lifestyle still existing away from the busy coastal area. But if you want to the Riviera life is only half an hour away.
The mountains are perfect for hikes, climbing and canyoning but also for a stroll along the real Route Napoleon starting some 800m behind the house.