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 This handsome property covers a lovely seven-hectare site in the foothills of "Les Alpilles", on the outskirts of Saint Remy de Provence in a magnificent natural setting. The story behind this home is the exciting adventure for the Bon family, who purchased this gentleman's residence in 1979 with the idea of converting it into a gracious hotel, a "home from home" where guests could be made to feel like friends. Their daughter, Catherine, a dispensing chemist, joined them in 1984. |
 The mother and daughter team set to decorating, renovating and transforming the manor house, making sure to retain all aspects that contributed to its original charm and atmosphere. A lot of hard work and great fun... fun that is very likely to continue for some time, with two delightful granddaughters already training to carry on the family tradition. |
 Initially a farm (The "Mas de Gaillard") then later a castle (The "Chateau des Alpilles") the history of this property spans several centuries. Back as far as memory goes, legend has it that this rural land belonged to a 13th century knight. Although nothing certain can be found to confirm this myth, a cypress tree several hundreds of years old nevertheless attests to the fact that this particular domain dates back to the medieval times. Various families in succession inhabited the land. |
 First the Flechon Family in the 16th century, then Charles Gaillard inherited the domain in the 17th century. Hence, no doubt, the ancient name "Mas de Gaillard". A hundred years later, it was the Blain family's turn to take possession of the land. With them the phrase "La vie de chateau" (meaning castle life in all its splendour) took on full meaning. Indeed towards 1825, Pierre-Paul Blain had an imposing manor house constructed close to the old farmhouse, the "Mas", and surrounded by numerous species of trees, both regional and exotic, fountains and later still a chapel. |
 The family resided there often and with the help of one of its members, Amédée Pichot, all of the top political and literary figures of Paris-Guizot, Lamartine, Thiers... - were frequent, visitors to the place. However, over time, their fortunes dwindled and the castle fell somewhat into disrepair. Thus by the time the Bon family took over in 1979, it was a dilapidated, Rip Van Winkle property slumbering in its verdant setting. Utterly charmed by the house and park, with its rich and varied history, Françoise Bon and her daughter Catherine set about restoring and embellishing it until it became the magnificent "Chateau Des Alpilles" for your pleasure and enjoyment today. |
 The interior of the dwelling has been carefully thought out. Wainscoting, wall-coverings, fabrics, stucco and large mirrors harmonise perfectly with the contemporary furniture of Knol, le Corbusier and Poltrona Frau. This creates a warm and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of the Romantic period. In the park, typical Provençal plants mix with more exotic ones. The grand trees, several hundred years old, watch over the noble building. Off to the side, the swimming pool and pool house are there for your relaxing moments in an enchanting setting. |
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