A former olive mill of immense charm and appeal renovated and restored to the highest standards of comfort. Great respect has been paid to the origins of the building which incorporate a number of features and elements of the old mill whilst combining contemporary comfort with great good taste. Beautifully situated in the midst of its own garden and olive groves the House and its heated infinity swimming pool enjoy a superb view to the hills and on to the coast and sea at Antibes. Conveniently located a short walk into the village of Cabris and only 10 minutes from Grasse its a perfect spot to appreciate the enduring appeal of this ancient part of The French Riviera.
Le Mas des Palmes
Cabris, South of France
Overview
Sleeps: 10
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
1 double bedroom with ensuite
3 doubles which can also be twins all with their own bathrooms
1 twin room with ensuite bathrooms
Rent per week
£8000 to £12000 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.
Detailed break down of price per week
Key features
- Restored former Olive Mill
- Heated infinity pool
- 3 acres of gardens, terraces and grounds
- Walking distance to the village of Cabris
- Air conditioning in all bedrooms
- All bedrooms have their own bathrooms
The House and Accommodation
The Dining / Sitting Room
At the Southern end of this room is a dining table capable of seating 8 comfortably. Windows open South to the terrace, gardens and Mediterranean view. At its Northern end is a sitting room/sitting area with large sofa, two armchairs around a coffee table and an attractive stone fireplace.
The Kitchen
This is a spacious, charming and well equipped kitchen given great character by the retention of the timber workings and stone troughs of the original olive mill. A large working island with units dominates one end of the kitchen. There is a wall mounted Miele electric oven. Also a separate electric cooker with 5 induction hobs, large oven beneath and extractor fans above. There is a large fridge freezer and Krups coffee making facilities. In one corner of the kitchen a circular kitchen table comfortably seats 6+.
Sitting Room / Library
On the first floor – this is a delightful room filled with natural light from three French doors enjoying views to the coast. Oak floors and limed oak bookshelves give the theme to this as a library/sitting room with an attractive stone fireplace. There are two sofa’s and armchairs, a bureau/ desk and a flat screen TV.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Bedroom 1 ‘Le Bleu’ Master Bedroom
A spacious double bedroom. Super King size double bed (1.8w x 2m) with ceiling fan. Windows to South East and North West. The bedroom incorporates its own free standing bath – effectively an Ensuite Bathroom. There is also a separate ensuite shower room with walk in shower and WC.
Bedroom 2 – ‘Le Jaune’
Double bedroom decorated in yellow. Double bed measures 1.8w x 2m which can be split to form a twin bedroom (beds .9w x 2m). Two windows face South East. There is a ceiling fan. It has an Ensuite Bathroom with bath and shower over, twin wash basins and WC.
Bedroom 3 ‘La Boite a sardines’
A twin bedroom (beds .9w x 2m) with window to North West. It has it’s own bathroom but is accessed across the passage. This bathroom has a bath (and shower over) WC and washbasin.
Bedroom 4 ‘Le Pigeonnier’
With superking double bed (1.8w x 2) which can be divided to form two singles to make a twin bedroom and Ensuite Bathroom with washbasin, WC and walk in shower
Bedroom 5 ‘La Rouge’
With superking double bed (1.8w x 2m) which can be divided to form two singles to make a twin bedroom. It has an ensuite bathroom with walk in shower, WC and washbasin.
NB: all bedrooms have air conditioning
Garden and Grounds
The house is situated in the middle of its own terraced gardens and grounds of 3 acres. Gates from a quiet single track road open straight into a shaded parking area (sufficient for 3 cars). From here a wide gravel walkway under the shade of a line of mature Palm trees leads invitingly down to the house. A series of terraces ascend to the left of the drive on the last level of which are a row of olives.
The garden is quintessentially Provencal in nature with its terraces, banks of lavender, palms, cypresses and olives and a south easterly aspect towards the Mediterranean.
Additional buildings, terraces and eating areas
Double French doors open from the kitchen onto the South facing Dining Terrace shaded by an attractive pagoda. The Dining Terrace has two dining tables that can be placed together and provide generous seating for 12 or more or if desired for a smaller number on a single table. There is a gas fired barbecue that incorporates a gas ring to the side.
At the eastern end of the house is a salon d’été which could almost be described as a loggia opening to North and East with generous comfortable seating around a coffee table and a well stocked bar adjoining. There is a built-in corner fire for warmth/conviviality in winter, spring or autumn.
The salon d’été leads to another open sitting area on the end of the dining terraces partially shaded by a pollarded lime tree and open to the terrace running the full length of the house.
The terraces adjoining the house to South and East are perfectly designed and arranged to allow easy access to and from the house, with a choice of natural shade or sun and enabling their wonderful situation and views to be enjoyed to the full. The shaded dining terrace (adjoining the kitchen and equipped with gas barbecue) on the Southern side merge into the cuisine d’été and loggia on the eastern end of the house.
Swimming Pool
On an impressive raised terrace of its own the perfectly sited swimming pool is located just above and to the eastern end of the house. The heated and alarmed swimming pool measures 6m x 12m with Roman steps into a shallow end 1m deep and on to a deep end of 2.1m
The natural wooded hills form the natural protective boundary and shade behind the pool. Its southern side, with an infinity edge to the pool, is open to the long Mediterranean view towards Antibes and the sea. Sunloungers, deckchairs and sun umbrellas surround the pool. There is a gazebo providing additional shade and a larger terrace area forms another seating or dining area nearest to the house.
Location
Le Mas des Palmes is perfectly located in a classic Riviera location within an hour from Nice, Cannes, Antibes and the beaches of the Côtes d’Azur.
The villa is within easy walking distance of the hilltop village of Cabris which makes for a very agreeable evening walk to eat out. Here there are a choice of restaurants, bars and café’s and basic shopping facilities.
Its closest town is Grasse. A drive of less than 10 minutes Grasse is a landmark on the French Riviera well known for its long established perfume industry and its former Roman Catholic cathedral.
It is an easy drive to the beautiful villages of Valbonne (30 minutes/10 miles) and the famous St Paul de Vence (35 minutes/17 miles). It sits on a hillside with views across to the wooded hillsides running away from Grasse toward Antibes and the sea.
How to get there
Airports
40 minutes (25 miles) drive from Nice international Airport
TGV
Stops at Nice and Cannes
Things to see and do nearby
Local Villages and towns
The ancient villages of Valbonne and Mougins are within easy reach and the iconic resorts of Cannes, Antibes and Nice are all accessible.
Monaco
The casinos and bright lights of Monaco are only an hour away.
Valbonne
Valbonne was formally founded in the early 16th century though there is evidence of a settlement there as early as the 12th century. Interesting little shops and restaurants are tucked into the picturesque cobbled alleys off the main square where you can sit and soak up the sun in an open air café or visit the bustling market that takes place every Friday morning.
Mougins: The old town (11 miles/20 minutes), dates back to pre-Roman times, and has been the home of many famous artists, intellectuals and foodies. Picasso lived here for the last 12 years of his life and many world famous chefs including Alain Ducasse and Roger Vergé have owned restaurants here. It remains a very ‘arty’ place and has many galleries and fine restaurants. There is a car park at the bottom of hill leading up to the old town.
Gourdon
The ancient village of Gourdon (13 miles/30 minutes) is perched on a rock above the valley of the River Loup. It is about half an hour’s drive up a good (if steep) road and the views are fantastic. There are a number of tourist shops and cafés and the castle is open to the public.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera and has long been the haunt of the rich and famous. Yves Montant and Simone Signoret spent a lot of time in the town, the artist Marc Chagal lived here and, a little further down the intellectual scale, Rolling Stone Bill Wyman has a house here. The chapel in Vence, which Matisse designed and decorated, is also not to be missed. Just outside the town is the Fondation Maeght museum of modern art which has a world famous collection of works by Giacometti, Chagal, Miro and many others dotted around a garden and gallery. It is a 35 minute drive from the villa and an excellent day out.
Gorge de Verdon
The Gorge de Verdon Europe’s ‘Grand Canyon’ is one of the most spectacular and beautiful gorges in Europe. It is some 25 km long and over 700 metres deep and it is possible to drive much of the way along its rim. Its possible to kayak down the Verdon River and there are some spectacular hiking routes or, if you are into technical rock climbing, some 1500 recognised climbs. We suggest you allow the best part of a day for the trip and have lunch in one of the restaurants in the lovely little town of Castellane.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Tourrettes-sur-Loup about half an hour’s drive from the villa. A medieval village perched on the top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the dramatic valley of the River Loup. It is a very popular tourist destination renowned for its arts and crafts which include weaving, painting, pottery, jewellery and sculptures, all of which are created in the village. It is home to many historically significant monuments and has many highly recommended restaurants.
Nice
Nice (or Vieille Nice as the locals call it) is a delightful place to spend a day. It is a hive of activity by day and night and a wonderful place to wander around, get lost and have a drink, eat an ice cream or have a traditional meal in one of the many cafés and restaurants. There are colourful markets selling flowers, artisanal produce, fruit and vegetables, a big fish market and lots of shops selling souvenirs, chocolates, antiques and clothing. It is about a three quarter hour drive to the old town. Nice has more museums and art galleries than any French city other than Paris and also has an Opera House, as well as hosting many other musical events.
Gardens
There are a number of semi-tropical gardens on the Côte d’Azur that are open to the public. Particularly recommended is the Ephrussi at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a Rothschild villa and garden.
Antibes
Antibes is less than half an hour’s drive away (traffic dependent). There is lots to see including the Picasso Museum (closed lunchtime), an excellent market, lots of trendy shops and many good street cafés and restaurants. A wander around the port to ogle at the billionaires’ super yachts makes for an interesting half an hour, or there is a small beach on the other side of the harbour wall. There is a lovely two- hour walk along the footpath around the Cap d’Antibes if you are feeling energetic. Park at Plage de la Garoupe and take the path from the far end of the beach.
Cannes film festival and the Monaco Grand Prix
Two events of world importance each year are the Cannes Film Festival (mid-May) and, in the Film Festival’s last week, the Monaco Grand Prix (motor racing, of course!).
Scent Factories
Many of the world-renowned scent factories in Grasse encourage visits and on-the- spot purchases, as do the glass-makers in Biot.
Restaurants and eating out
There are so many restaurants in the area that you will be spoiled for choice. They range from the Michelin starred Bastide Saint Antoine in Grasse to something more modest a shot walk into Cabris. A number of local ‘favourites’ are listed in The House Information Book with the owners’ very helpful comments. Details can be provided in advance on request.
Markets and Shopping
Cannes and Antibes are, of course, famous for their up- market shops but at the other end of the scale is the bustling Rue Meynadier in Cannes with its market atmosphere, affordable clothes shops and artisan food stores.
There is an excellent market in Grasse on Wednesday and Saturday and in Valbonne every Friday morning and in Mouans Sartoux (30 minutes/9 miles) every Thursday morning.
Gold Courses
There are many high quality golf courses in the area. (See the list provided in the House Information manual) and there are public tennis courts at the tennis club in Cabris and others in surrounding towns.
Padel
Padel courts are available in Grasse.
Walks and hiking trails
There are lots of spectacular walks and hiking trails in the region (Google ‘Walks near Grasse’)
Horse riding
Horse riding there are a number of centers in the region – Google ‘Horse Riding Grasse’ for details.
Beaches
There are countless beaches up and down the coast to explore. There are suggestions in The House Book.
Horse racing
Cagnes-sur-Mer also has a race course which holds meetings, mainly trotting, throughout July and August.
Additional Information
Arrival welcome and departure: Tenants will be met on arrival and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out.
Wifi and Broadband: There is a telephone system and broadband internet access throughout the main house beside the pool and within proximity of the house.
Housebook: There is a housebook kept at the property that gives further information as appropriate on all aspects relating to the property and surrounding areas.
Additional entertainment: There are a number of English books for the use and enjoyment of the tenants.
Music and TV: There is a flat screen TV with digibox.
Services included: A femme de menage visits each morning from 8am to 1pm (included in the rental). This to include the preparation of continental breakfast each morning. Swimming pool and garden maintenance is also included.
Optional / additional services available: Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook or chef can probably be found. His/her/their wage will be the tenants responsibility and can be ascertained in advance should tenants so wish.
Utilities: Adjoining the kitchen is a utility/larder/store room with two further full height fridges, microwave oven, a utility sink, washing machine and tumble dryer and a boiler room off.
Air conditioning and heating: All bedrooms are air conditioned and all have fans. This is an all year round property and is centrally heated throughout.
Children: there is a travel cot and a high chair.
Car Parking: There is plenty of parking in the property.
Rents
2024
| Period | Weekly rate |
| July and August | £12,000 |
| June and Sept | £8,000 |
| All other months | POA |
Terms & conditions and the booking process
The Booking Process – A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
Security Deposit – A Booking and Security Deposit of £1500 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of telephone calls made on the landline during the tenancy, (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, (c) the cost of pool heating (if required) @ £200 per week, and (d) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy.
Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.
Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 10 people staying in the property at any one time.
Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows and shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.
Heating costs are included: The heating costs are included in the rental price.
Pool Heating costs are not included: if pool heating is wanted or required then this will be charged at £200 per week and will be taken from the security deposit.
Linen and towels: Bed linen, bath and pool towels are provided free of charge and will be changed on a weekly basis.
Smoking: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.
Internet access: yes, included in the rental price.
Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the responsibility of the tenant.