EXCLUSIVE VILLA IN PROVENCE WITH BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE & SEA VIEWS

One of our children was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2001. Once she had completed her initial chemotherapy we faced another 2 years of constant treatment followed by years of recovery. We bought L'Ecrignole in 2001 as a safe base for holidays, with medical support provided by a local clinic.

L'Ecrignole has been a fantastic retreat for us. A place for the kids to play and swim and for us to rest in incredibly beautiful and peaceful surroundings, with plenty of lovely local wine on tap. The fact that the house is not overlooked meant (and continues to mean) complete privacy, something which we value highly.

As the kids have grown older, so our horizons have expanded to include days on the beach, walks along the cliffs, sailing in Bandol and Saint Cyr. L'Ecrignole is also an ideal base for longer range exploration and so we have been on day trips to places such the Roman amphitheatre in Nimes and a nearby Falconry. Marineland in Cannes remains a popular destination, out of high season!

In years gone by we have driven into the southern Alps, following the Lavender route for example. But in the process we discovered that one of the kids gets car sick from the mountain passes, which rather took the enjoyment out of these trips.

One thing still left on our to do list is some skiing trips. In principle a 2 hour drive will bring you to a good ski region. So a day or two skiing is entirely feasible.

They say that one should chose a property based on three things: Location, Location and Location. The location of L'Ecrignole is in many ways perfect. We first fell in love with the view and then, later, with the peace and privacy. After more than 10 years owning L'Ecrignole we have never become tired of the view. Summer or Winter, you can find us sat outside taking in the vista and the peace.

Our favourite time of the year is late spring or late summer, when the temperature is a little cooler and the region a little quieter. Warm enough to spend all day outside, cool enough to be active during the day, quiet enough to avoid the coastal tourists of July & August. But you can also find us snoozing in the afternoon sun/shade in August or sitting outside in a ski-jacket, wrapped in a blanket in Mid-Winter.