If you are looking for a comfortable and spacious villa with breathtaking views, within walking distance of a lively village, not in sight of other houses, with a large heated pool, plenty of land, an easy drive to beaches and watersports, beautiful local Provencal villages with markets in easy reach, local vineyards selling delicious rosé and picturesque walks then look no further – Villa Belmont is for you!
Villa Belmont
La Garde Freinet, South of France
Overview
Sleeps: 12
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
4 doubles
1 twin
1 children’s room
Rent per week
£5,250 to £7,000 per week depending on the season. Friday to Friday.
Detailed break down of price per week
Key features
6 bedroom villa
Large heated swimming pool
5 acres of gardens and grounds
Easy walk into la Garde Freinet
Superb views to the Castle of Grimaud and the coast
Testimonials
The House and Accommodation
Sitting Room
The central part of the villa is dominated by a magnificent light and spacious sitting room combining with a dining area adjoining the Southern terrace. The centre part of the room is the sitting room itself with three sofas formed around a coffee table and a fine stone fireplace containing a woodburning stove. There is a large flat screen TV with DVD player and digibox for satellite TV.
The Dining area adjoining the glass windows comprises a dining table and seating for 12.
Kitchen
A large bright and well equipped family kitchen with access straight out onto the dining part of the southern terrace with a generous awning to give shade from the sun. There are two ovens with a five ring induction hob, microwave, Magimix Kitchenaid, Nespresso coffee machine, fridge freezer and dishwasher. At one end of the kitchen is a circular breakfast /kitchen table capable of seating 8.
Bedrooms & bathrooms
Bedroom 1 The Master Bedroom: (1st floor) A large double bedroom (super king double bed 1.8w x 2m) with double French doors opening to a private balcony with table and chairs enjoying the best of the views. It has an ensuite Bathroom with large bath, twin washbasins, WC and walk in shower.
Bedroom 2 A double bedroom with super king double bed (1.8w x 2m). French doors open to the Southern terrace and views. Its ensuite bathroom has a bath, twin washbasins, WC and large walk-in shower.
Bedroom 3 A double bedroom with super king double bed (1.8w x 2) The bed is positioned to enjoy spectacular views to the Castle of Grimaud and Bay of St Tropez.
Bedroom 4 A double bedroom with Queen size bed (1.4w x 2m). Windows face East. Bedr
Bedroom 5 A twin bedroom (beds .9w x 2m) and windows looking South.
Bedroom 6 A children’s room with two bunk beds (.9w x 1.9). Doors lead out to a small rear patio area and the washroom.
Bathrooms: There are two large family bathrooms which are shared by bedrooms 3, 4, 5 and 6. The first of which which had a bath, walk-in shower, WC and twin washbasins. The second of which has a large walk-in shower, washbasin and WC.
NB: All bedrooms have air conditioning except for Bedroom 6. There are ceiling fans in all the bedrooms except the children’s room where there is a free standing fan. There are built in wardrobes and hanging space in all the bedrooms. There are hairdryers in all the bathrooms
Garden and Grounds
The villa is situated on a wooded hillside within easy walking distance of La Garde Freinet. Approached down its own 130m drive off a quiet single track road its approach feels charmingly ‘off the beaten track’.
Villa Belmont is situated in 5 acres of its own land. Whilst surrounded by oak and pine woodland the attention once there is arrested by the panoramic long views towards the Castle of Grimaud and the sea, perfectly framed by the classic wooded hills of the Var to each side.
This terrace, bounded safely by a fence and with an array of terracotta pots filled with flowering plants, overlooks the lower levels of the garden, the pétanque court and the swimming pool area and is the stage from which to view the magnificent views.
Additional buildings, terraces and eating areas
A separate door leads straight out into the loggia with comfortable seating that forms part of the wide terrace running the full length of the southern side and enjoying the best of the views to the South.
A magnificent wide terrace runs the full length of the villa on the Southern side. This is accessed by all the rooms and bedrooms on this side. Principal features of the terrace are the dining area accessed directly from the kitchen and the seating area under a handsome loggia comfortably equipped with a set of rattan furniture around a coffee table. There is a separate sitting/dining area about a round table on the outer edge of the terrace.
There is a Webber gas barbecue on the terrace.
This terrace, bounded safely by a fence and with an array of terracotta pots filled with flowering plants, overlooks the lower levels of the garden, the pétanque court and the swimming pool area and is the stage from which to view the magnificent views.
Swimming Pool
At the western end of the terrace steps descend attractively to a lower level through flowering roses and colourful shrubs to The Swimming Pool. The heated (and alarmed) swimming pool measures 12m x 6m. Entered by corner steps to a shallow end of .8m it is 2.1m at the deep end.
The swimming Pool is framed by paving on its Northern side and by decking on its southern side and through which grows an old olive tree for shade. There is a large hammock, 12 sunbeds and 2 sun umbrellas.
Pool heating, if required, is charged at an additional £250/week in July/August and £300/week in June September.
Location
Villa Belmont enjoys its secluded yet panoramic setting a mere 10 minutes walk into La Garde Freinet. It is only a km from the D558 which climbs from Grimaud to La Garde Freinet and is 20 kms South East of the nearest (Le Luc) exit off the A8.
La Garde Freinet has a true Provencal feel with very reasonable shopping facilities and an excellent choice of restaurants, café’s and bars. There is also good shopping at Cogolin (12kms South West) including there a Leclerc and a Geant supermarket nearer St Tropez.
It is 9kms from the nearest beach (at Port Grimaud) and 21 kms from St Tropez.
How to get there
Airports
1 ¼ hrs/67 miles from Nice Airport
50 minutes from Toulon airport
1 ½ hrs from Marseille Airport.
TGV
stops at Cannes (c ¾ hour) and at Nice
Things to see and do nearby
La Garde-Freinet
is a 10 minute stroll from the villa takes you into the picturesque village of La Garde-Freinet. There is a charming twice weekly market and numerous restaurants, bars and café’s. There is also a boulangerie, a butcher, a traiteur selling homemade quiches, patés etc, two little supermarkets selling wonderful fresh fruit & veg and local produce such as truffles. There are also art galleries, gift shops, a fantastic pharmacy, 2 doctors and a post office. The wine shop is superb run by Hervé and his son Roman who are full of great advice on interesting wines from near and far and often do tastings accompanied by bread and their delicious local cheeses. There is a thriving local community with festivals, dance shows and theatre productions laid on in the summer and a locally popular chestnut festival in the Autumn.
Nearby Provençal Towns & Villages
The beautiful hilltop villages of Grimaud, Gassin and Ramatuelle are within a 30-minute drive (Grimaud is a 10 minute drive). Likewise Plan de la Tour, Gassin and Bormes les Mimosas. Each have charming little winding streets to explore, fabulous restaurants and panoramic views.
St Tropez
feels like it’s hardly changed since the days of Brigitte Bardot although the superyachts in the harbour are ever more jawdropping! The backstreets are full of chic boutiques, little squares, bars and restaurants and of course a limitless choice of restaurants, cafe’s and bars on the harbour front from which the passing scene can be gently observed!
Markets
All the local villages have weekly markets, some of them twice weekly. Market days are recorded in The house Information folder. The market in St Tropez (Tuesdays and Saturdays) is particularly good with everything from clothes, jewellery, steaming pans of paella, cheese, fruit and vegetables, etc all on offer. There is also a wonderful fish market in St Tropez.
Beaches
There is something for everyone. The world-famous Pampelonne beach is a must if you like to be seen in the chicest beach clubs and restaurants. Club 55 is located here which is still full of charm having started in the 1950’s. St Maxime has many beaches and beach clubs too. Gigaro is more low key but again with some stylish beach restaurants. If you prefer something quieter head west along the coast towards Brégançon. No restaurants or beach clubs are allowed on the beaches around there so they are much quieter and very beautiful.
Restaurants
You are spoilt for choice. Starting with a lovely selection within walking distance in La Garde Freinet there are endless options further afield. The owners have a selection of their own which they are happy to share.
Vineyards
A number of local vineyards encourage visits aswell as tastings and purchases. Peyrassol is a vineyard which you can wander around and spot extraordinary sculptures then eat in the small but exquisite restaurant and sample the wine of course!
Golf
There are several good 18 hole golf courses in the vicinity, a number of which are listed in the House Information Folder
Boat Trips
There are regular boat trips to the Isles d’Hyeres (Porquerolles being the largest of these islands) No cars are allowed on the islands so you can hire bikes or venture on foot. There are also boat services across the Bay of St Tropez from Port Grimaud – and this is a handy trip if traffic is an issue.
Watersports
Port Grimaud offers children friendly sailing, waterskiing and wind surfing lessons as elsewhere along the coast.
Walking
There are gorgeous walks through the woods straight from the villa or up to the Cross and Roman Fort above La Garde-Freinet from where you get 360 degree views all the way from the Alps to the sea. Located on the edge of the Massif des Maures National Park there are endless tracks to explore. There is also a beautiful coastal path which starts from St Tropez and goes all the way to Toulon.
Culture
Historic and beautiful monasteries and convents at Le Thoronet and Chartreuse de La Verne are well worth visiting. Art lovers will be astounded at the quality of the art on display at the newly opened Foundation Carmignac on the island of Porquerolles. There is everything from Botticelli to Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol in this very impressive gallery which is surrounded by vineyards, views of the sea and intriguing sculptures in the grounds.
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 broadband internet access throughout the main house and terrace.
Housebook: There is a very helpful House Information Folder with details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes brochures and contact details of local doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians, pool maintenance etc.
Additional entertainment: There are a number of English language books and cookery books for the use and enjoyment of guests. There are also a selection of family board games and playing cards and a set of Petanque balls.
Services included: The swimming pool is serviced weekly. Garden maintenance likewise normally on a Friday (changeover day).
Optional / additional services available: Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time Engish cook lives locally and can cook and deliver meals if required. Her payment would be the tenants responsibility and can be ascertained in advance should tenants so wish.
Utilities: Accessed from the childrens bedroom (6) across a small patio area is a separate washing room containing 2 washing machines, a tumble dryer and a second full height fridge/freezer, ice making machine, ironing board and iron.
Air conditioning and heating: There are ceiling fans in all bedrooms except Bedroom 6 (The Childrens Room) where there is a freestanding fan. This is an all year round property and is heated throughout. Here is also a woodburner on the terrace.
Children: there is a travel cot and a high chair.
Car Parking: There is plenty of parking.
Rents
2024
| Period | Weekly Rate |
| July & August | £7,000 |
| June & September (+ Easter Week & May/Oct Half Terms) | £6,300 |
| April, May & October | £5,250 |
| Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and Dec | 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 Security Deposit will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd. This will cover (a) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, (b) the cost of pool heating (if required), and (c) 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 Friday.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 4pm 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 12 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: Pool heating, if required, is charged at an additional £250/week in July/August and £300/week in June September.
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 sole responsibility of the tenant.