We love Claviers, a village in South France with fewer than 500 inhabitants, for its tranquility. There are no through roads so you need not contend with noisy traffic. In fact, the house is located on a pedestrian street. If you've seen French "perched" villages you'll understand what I'm describing to you. If not, you have a treat in store. Nearby, about 2 miles, is another celebrated village, Bargemon.

There is an open-air market twice a week for fresh produce, flowers, and meats and cheeses. There is a boulangerie in the village. . . and a post office . . . and a restaurant . . . and a café. (I'm known as "Shuck" in those parts - the patrons think I look like Chuck Norris.)

The house has five floors, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is a fully-restored 500 year-old home with beamed ceilings and tiled floors. We furnished the house with family keep-sakes so the decor is eclectic but truly authentic. There's a table from Laurence's great-grandfather's cafe, a dining set from an uncle's country home, etc.

At the ground level is the dining room and a fully-equipped kitchen, cooktop, oven, and dishwasher. The kitchen table and chairs were used in my wife's great-grandfather's café in Lorraine. Two steps up and you are in the dining room where there is an oak farm table with benches. In the corner of the room a stone staircase leads down to the cave, one of the most striking features of the home. The cave contains two large wine barrels, the oldest from the 15th century and the other a scant 100 years younger. The cave was carved into the rock upon which the village stands, and was used for aging wine.

Next to this room is a bedroom (queensize) and bathroom, and a washer and dryer room in a space used one hundred years ago for keeping animals - our predecessor's answer to central heating.

Up one floor from the kitchen is the master bedroom and bathroom. This bedroom contains a king size bed built by the village master woodcraftsman, a fireplace, an armoire, dresser, and closet. Naturally, linens and quilts are provided.

The next level up is the third bedroom, equipped with a queen size bed. There is a full bath in this room. Check out the view!

Climb the stairs again and you come to a sitting room with a luxurious leather sofa and chairs. There's a television, desk, fax machine and telephone. You will be comfortable using the desk to conduct your business. The phone is available for making free calls to North America or Europe. There is also a kitchenette at this level. (When additional accommodations are needed, we place a mattress on the floor of this room.)

A steep staircase up leads from the sitting room to a tiled terrace with a striking view. You can sip your coffee or wine at a table done by a local mosaic artist. There are territorial views from the three upper floors.

The rental price includes utilities, linens, cookware, taxes, etc. Though you probably won't need heat, there are electric heaters in each room, and towel warmers in the bathrooms. My delightful sister-in-law, Elisabeth Raybois, will be your host. Annick, our housekeeper will leave you your keys so you may arrive anytime and will be nearby to provide further information you may require. Elisabeth is available if you have any problems or concerns, or you may call us in the U.S., by dialing us on the phone.

La Maison - The Home