Le Castellet: an estate steeped in time in Peymeinade

It is in Peymeinade, in the middle of an estate planted with olive and orange trees, that stands the bastide "Le Castellet". A worthy representation of Provençal charm through the ages, it takes its name from an expression from the Middle Ages which means small castle.

Composed of two houses, the property extends over 5870 m² of Provençal-style landscaped gardens with cypress trees and climbing vines along the facades, and several terraces arranged around the two infinity pools. Between them, the main bastide and the guest house have 13 bedrooms.

An architecture through the ages

While today the building is resolutely Provençal, its architecture has evolved over the centuries, from the fort in antiquity to the splendid 21st century villa.

The mayor of Peymeinade even explains that it is the oldest building in the village and its surroundings; it is indeed built on the foundations of a construction dating from Roman antiquity. A section of wall from this period can be seen at the back of the house.

Additions have been made over the course of history to arrive at the house as we know it today. Indeed, the extension to the main building was built in the 15th century. In the 17th century, the main facade was rebuilt and is now covered with bougainvillea.

The tower that overlooks the property was built in 1841; it also marks the end of the additions and structural modifications to the house. The tower may be modern in relation to the defensive style it imitates, but it does it justice with its loopholes imitating those of the period.

After that the works are aesthetic and give the bastide a modern comfort, like the installation of solar panels or the construction of the low terrace and the swimming pools.

Modern and comfortable additions

Among the more modern additions of the current owners are a traditional Swedish sauna, but also the large infinity pool surrounded by its beach.

A magical space with a view of the valley below, the pool is also the perfect place to listen to the works of one's favourite composers as it is equipped with over 100 speakers allowing one to enjoy the music even while underwater.

An interior with preserved charm

Le Castellet, between land and sea, distinguishes itslef by its rustic elegance. Inside, the large living room sets the tone of the property with an elegant yet bucolic atmosphere and high ceilings providing light and space.

The living room features a magnificent stone staircase that wraps around an original wrought iron railing. The juxtaposition of the stone walls and those covered with mouldings gives a period Provencal charm to the interior of the bastide.

The large windows in each room offer an unobstructed and unobstructed view of the valley overlooked by the house and its garden.

An authentic Provencal garden

Provençal gardens are inspired by the quiet, wild countryside of the region. This is the case with the exteriors surrounding the bastide, like an ocean of greenery on the hillside where Mediterranean species are king. On the lawns surrounding the house are impressive stone terraces, a setting for the outdoor activities offered by the house. Swimming in the infinity pools, relaxing on the sunbeds, barbecuing or playing petanque, the property offers spaces for relaxation and idleness in the south of France. The surrounding greenery enhances the enchanting spaces where nature is gentle and welcoming.

While the lower terrace hosts a magnificent infinity pool landscaped around colonnades in light colored stone, the upper terrace was the host of mythical baths that almost disappeared.

Indeed, the pool, which is now a decorative basin on the main terrace of the bastide, was once the site of none other than Brigitte Bardot's baths. Brigitte Bardot rented the property at the beginning of her career, before giving the village of Saint Tropez her favor. It was while applying for a permit for the pool that was to replace the old one that the owners learned that the actress used to swim there. They decided to keep the pool and to build a new one lower down on the land, in order to preserve the history of the place.

The entire exterior design is an ode to the Provençal architecture and history of the building.

The property is a reflection of the village in which it is located. Peymeinade offers a range of pastel-coloured facades with wooden shutters, stone vaults, Roman tiles in a shade of beige, oleanders and potted lavender. In short, the quintessence of the charm of the South of France. 20 km from the sea, the village offers a charming escape to the countryside while remaining close to all amenities, with Grasse 7 km away, Cannes 22 km and Nice and its international airport 42 km away.

To find out more, contact your experts on prestige real estate in the Cannes hinterland at Côte d'Azur Sotheby's International Realty: info@cotedazursothebysrealty.com

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