JMcDavid

Easter 2014: this current year, we considered to be disloyal (just once will not hurt) to our precious Villa Cassiopée on the island of Skiathos and to Orthodox Easter traditions to visit the French regions of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon with our three children.

I had watched on the French TV program the formula "Bed and Breakfast" including a host table. I had found this interesting in particular because of my youngest son needs to sleep in the evening while the rest of the family can take the evening meal on spot.

I decided to look for a lovely, atypical, nicely decorated, elegant and if possible, not too expensive place. . After hours of surfing on internet, when I was about to throw in the towel and choose the first room I would meet, my wanderings led me to the “Mas d’Alphonse”, in the Duchy of Uzes, between Nimes, Uzes and Anduze. A beautiful and very complete website, great pictures and an unusual mixture of Provence and Thailand which arouses curiosity: good points that caught my attention. I had a look at one of the most important websites for holiday rentals of any types, Booking.com, before contacting the owner: the reviews and notes were extremely good.

Let's be honest: the terse e-mails from the owner had a little cooled my enthusiasm, but the first telephone contact was warm and I decided to go further!

It took us about three hours to drive from Caracassonne airport to the "Mas d'Alphonse", we directly fell under its magic spell. A 19th century winemakerhouse, stone walls, old tiles, lavender shutter, eight hectares of fields planted with vineyards and cereals at my feet, a lush garden, the surprising and peaceful presence of Bouddha here and there in the property, an unexpected Thai house in the back of the garden: it was exactly what I was looking for! ...

This property is owned by a mixed couple of a French man with a Thai women; the perfect mariage of Provence and Thailand. Both were very kind and their harmonious presence soothing; your stress goes away very quickly in such conditions.

the house was equally delightful inside: a nice and harmonious mixture of the two cultures. Provencal stones, tiles and beams with a Thai furniture and refinement. The master suite was decorated with an excellent taste. The Thai furniture placed on terracota floors around the old stone walls and a huge fireplace was followed by an en-suite that offered luxury and character. A large French door opened onto a private terrace and the nice countryside views. The "Malisa" room was equally nicely decorated with an e-suite bathroom as well. We occupied both available rooms and enjoyed a full privacy.

While Suwannee was cooking for us a Thai dinner and our kids were playing with their i-pad, my husband and I went for a walk in this wonderful garden and we discovered ... the Thai house. The owners have built on a small promontory overlooking the fields a Thai bamboo house on stilts with a wooden gazebo , which is a haven of peace: not a sound, not a house on the horizon, only vines, flowers an immense sky ... Two comfortable sofas, some cushions, a table with books about Thai massage and some candles: a place where you would like to stay forever.

The evening was a little chilly and in the dining room, Suwannee had lit the huge open fireplace. A table laid with refinement was prepared for us and Suwannee took care of us with discretion, but with kindness and constant attention and delighted our taste bud with an unexpected meal: Thai spring rolls with herbs from the organic garden, grilled basil beef and homemade coconut balls accompanied by a little pink in the region. A treat!

Mas d'Alphone was originally their holiday home while they used to live in Paris. They liked so much this place that they decided seven years ago to move there permanently. They wanted to taste daily this quality life. They chose to share this extraordinary quality with their guests.

If you have any questions with regards to where and how to use luxury villa rentals, you can get hold of us at the web site.