THE FRENCH CONNECTION

That is me pictured on the terrace of Applewood Manor’s “seventh room.” Applewood Manor’s “seventh room” is actually a villa located 4,475 miles away from Asheville in France. It is La Petite Colline de Roussillon, a beautiful French country villa owned by Stephen and Robin Collins, and it’s available for those looking to vacation in Provence, France. The property sits in the Lubéron Valley adjacent to the beautiful 12th century village of Roussillon. The house is attractively appointed and suitable for 4 to 5 persons. La Petite Colline’s red terra cotta tile roof and rose-ochre stucco exterior are trademarks of the area, and the villa’s pale green shutters and antique interior wood finishes have an unmistakable old Provençal character. As a vacation retreat, it is ideal for those whose image of Provence includes cheerful colors and sun-filled spaces.

The English translation of the villa’s name is The Little Hill in Roussillon. Its guests enjoy the fresh air and brilliant sunshine of Provence from the villa’s 2 ½ acres set high on a plain looking southwest toward the ochre cliffs of Roussillon and the mountains of the Lubéron. The area abounds in low pine and hardwood trees as well as olive groves. It enjoys the gentle breeze that is almost always astir on the higher ridges of the Lubéron. There is an air of peacefulness and tranquility about the place. The house is in the middle of wine country including wonderful drinkable Rosé wines. Some nearby wineries include Domaine de Tara, Vignoble Chasson-Chateau Blanc, Domaine Treloar, Castle Rey. The historic village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with the vineyards and wineries of this famous wine, is only an hour away by car.

The villa is just a little over two miles from the village of Roussillon. A favorite of tourists, Roussillon is one of France’s most beautiful villages. It overlooks the Provençal countryside and is famous for its ochre-red cliffs. The town is filled with eateries, shops and galleries featuring the work of local artists. Other nearby villages include Gordes, Ménerbes, Lacoste, Saint-Saturnin-d'Apt, and peaceful, little Bonnieux. All of them with their local restaurants are fascinating and worthy of a visit.

La Petite Colline’s amenities include a swimming pool, central air and heat, gourmet kitchen, regional antique furniture, and many other luxuries. My favorite spot at the villa is its flagstone terrace. It runs the length of the southwest back of the house with a table for six and a straw-covered trellis for shade. The terrace is a place to relax or enjoy a glass of wine or a meal at any time of day. Flagstone steps lead from the terrace past rose gardens to the villa’s pool with plenty of lounge chairs for enjoying the sunny and shady spots of the pool deck.

For more about La Petite Colline de Roussillon or to book your vacation in Provence go to https://www.villarental.com/villa/france/provence/la-petite-colline-de-roussillon.