House with 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, Garden, Swimming Pool
This lovely old atmospheric detached property built in black basalt stone has most of its rooms on different levels and is surrounded by a large garden (2000m2) with its own private pool (10m x 5m).
Lovingly converted by my mother, an artist who came to work in La Roche in the Fifties, the property is private whilst at the same time remaining a part of the village. It is also close to all amenities, shops, cafés and restaurants which are a short walk up the hill in Alba.
Alba and its hamlet La Roche are special in that they have a strong sense of community so that whoever is staying there will immediately feel himself to be a part of the village. Families will soon find their children playing and mixing with other children on the village square.
Kitchen
Sitting room
Bedroom
Bedroom
Living area
View from car park into garden
Situated in the sun soaked southern part of the Ardèche in a wine growning area surrounded by hills, the house and garden are on the edge of the medieval hamlet of La Roche and a short walk (150 m) up the hill to the historic and thriving village of Alba la Romaine where one can buy fresh croissants every morning from the two local bakers. Private and south facing in a sunny position, the house and garden look out towards the surrounding countryside whilst at the same time remaining part of the village.
The property is just 20km West of the nougat town of Montélimar with its mainline train station and the North/South A7 motorway. Nearest airports are Nimes, Marseille, Lyon. A car is thoroughly recommended although there is a bus service to Montélimar and Aubenas.
Most of the rooms are on different levels and the effect has been compared to that of a beehive. This gives the house a unique atmosphere. Part of the lower level could be a self-contained flat with its own kitchen and bathroom and two bedrooms. Ideal for a family who would like its own privacy or for a nanny with 2 children.
La Roche is a hamlet of about 50 houses nestling around what is thought to be an old volcanic plug. The main village of Alba is on top of a small hill with La Roche half-way down and the river Escoutay runs at its base. The surrounding countryside is made up of hills and cultivated land given over mainly to vines and cherry trees. It is a walker's paradise. Take just one of the lanes that leave the village and you can walk for miles. Over the years, the very clear light and landscape have attracted artists who have come to work here from all over the world.
Facilities for this holiday house in Alba la Romaine, Rhone Alps
Property
Type:
House
Nearest Airport:
Nimes - 80 kms
Nearest Port:
Marseilles - 150 kms
Nearest Bar/Pub:
Alba la Romaine - 5 mins
Nearest Restaurant:
La Roche - 2 mins
Location Type:
Horse Riding, Quiet, Rural/Village
Bedrooms:
3 Double Bedrooms, 2 Twin Bedrooms.
Bathrooms:
4 Bathrooms. Three bathrooms with bath/shower and fourth spacious bathroom with shower.
Kitchen:
Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Iron. Large modern fitted kitchen.
General:
Real Fire, House Linen, Towels Provided. Maid service on request (approx. 10 Euros per hour)
Dining:
Seating for 10. Tables and chairs are available throughout the house.
Entertainment:
Satellite TV, Radio, Board Games, Tennis Court.
Outside:
Private Pool, Terrace, Garden, BBQ, Parking, Balcony, Garden Furniture. Large two level private garden lined with hegdes and with plenty of shade.
Suitability:
Children Welcome, Suitable For Elderly, Pets Allowed, Smoking Allowed.
Child friendly nearby square where children from the hamlet mix and play.
If you are travelling with pets from the UK, local veterinary clinic for your administrative needs.
Local activities in and around Alba la Romaine, Rhone Alps
Alba has a large chateau opened to the public and is often host to exhibitions and concerts. In July, a celebrated theatre festival is staged in the unique antique Roman theatre. A good market takes place every Sunday morning in the centre of the village.
Tennis courts are available for hire from the Mairie. There is also a communal swimming pool and boulodrome.
For those who enjoy nature related sports, the Ardeche is the perfect place. From water-rafting to canoing, bunjy jumping, and horse ridding there are plenty of activities to experience. The famous Ardèche Gorges are just 25kms away and a beautiful drive through the hills. It also worth visiting the stalactite caves in that area. Information is available at the local Tourist Office in Alba.
There is also the Vallee de l'Ibie (15km drive again through lovely countryside) which is a dry riverbed where crystal clear blue water emerges from the ground to form pools where one can swim.
For lovers of flowers, June is the perfect month to take a drive through the remote High Ardèche from where the Loire takes its source. The fields are covered in a maze of narcissi and violas as well as a host of other flowers. A botanist's paradise.
The Ardèche is also famous for its mushrooms and September will see market stalls displaying all sorts of edible varieties. Other good markets are on Saturday morning (8 am - 12 noon) at Montelimar and Aubenas (30kms away). These take place all year around.
Detailed directions will be sent with booking depending on where you are coming from.
Rental rates for this house
Price Per Week
Quoted In
Approximately equivalent to
Euro
UK Pound
US Dollar
Low Season Rate From:
€1000.00
£833.33
$1350.00
High Season Rate From:
€1800.00
£1500.00
$2430.00
Rental Notes: Departures on Saturday mornings by 10 am and arrivals on Saturday afternoons 4 pm onwards. A 20% deposit is requested on booking. The remainder of the rent must be paid in full 1 month before arrival.
House must be left clean. An extra fee of 100 Euros will be charged for maid service for clients who do not wish to clean before leaving. This arrangement must be made when booking.
There is a 300 Euro breakage fee payable on arrival and refundable on departure.
Sheets and towels are included in the rent. Towels and sheets are changed once a week.
Availability of Maison White
This property is normally available
for rent between May
and October each year.
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Owner joined site on:
02 October 2006
Property listed since:
02 October 2006
Holiday House in france - Rhone Alps - Ardeche - Alba la Romaine
