Le Mas de Jasmin is a traditional farmhouse villa, first constructed in mediaeval times in the local Provençal stone. It was originally used as a silkworm nursery, and has been carefully restored to bring it up to a high standard of style and comfort, while retaining the character that comes from its long history.

The property is built around a central high walled Roman-style courtyard, with a restored gothic fountain. Colour exudes from its many terracotta plant pots and climbing rose and Jasmin bushes. The extensive garden is totally enclosed and has plenty of trees, including olive trees, providing shade and privacy, plus an abundance of aromatic rosemary and lavender.

A stone archway leads into the inner walled courtyard, which is the focal point of the property. The upper floor is devoted to living space. The rooms are spacious and airy, with high wood-beamed ceilings, and have been painted in the traditional colours of the region by a local artist.

The large living area has plenty of comfortable seating, with a satellite TV, a VCR with a collection of videos, a stereo, and plenty of books. High speed internet access is available.

Across the inner courtyard, one bedroom is at the base of the terracotta staircase, behind the gothic fountain. It has a king size bed, hand painted and decorated furniture, and a vaulted ceiling. The ensuite bathroom has a large bath with mixer shower taps, a hand basin and a wc. The largest bedroom, which also has a king-size bed, is at the top of the terracotta staircase. This bedroom has exposed stone walls and a high pointed ceiling lined with wooden beams. Its bathroom has a large bath, shower, a hand basin, and a WC.

The property is equally comfortable during the winter, as there is underfloor heating beneath the terracotta tiles throughout the property. All of the facilities are exclusively for the guests and are not shared with any other renters. The owners are on hand and invite guests upon arrival to share a glass of the local wine and sample the local food, and can offer tips on what to see and where to go.

There is a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with high quality fittings including a gas range with gas oven and electric grill, a microwave/grill, a dishwasher, a fridge-freezer, and washing machine. Double glass doors lead out onto the large balcony overlooking the courtyard.

All four bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms are in the main building, while two others are across the inner courtyard. The main building’s twin bedroom has a curved ceiling with exposed wood beams and hand painted furniture. The ensuite bathroom has a shower, a washbasin and a WC. The double room has a domed ceiling. The bathroom features a large and deep cast-iron hand-painted bathtub, a large walk-in monsoon-type power shower, a hand basin and a WC.

The large heated pool (13 x 6.5 metres) is surrounded by a tiled sunbathing area, with sun loungers and cushions and protected by a lavendar-painted fence for safety.

There is an outdoor eating area, with table and chairs, and a large stone and brick barbecue.The property is very private, is not overlooked, and has ample safe parking.

Special features:	• Pool on the property
Swimming pool:	Large heated swimming pool, open from end of April to mid October

Le Mas de Jasmin is located on the edge of a countryside hamlet, with ample safe parking. The location is very peaceful with little traffic, the most noise coming from the bells of the sheep as the shepherd herds them through, morning and evening. Everyday supplies, such as bread, groceries, fruit and vegetables, and wine, can be obtained from a well-equipped épicerie in the next village, Fons-sur-Lussan, which is just two kilometres away. Also close by is the walled medieval village of Lussan, which has an ancient château and two good restaurants. There are several more good restaurants within the area.

Activities available locally include horse riding, tennis, canoeing, paragliding, walking and cycling. Golf courses are available at Uzès, Nîmes, and Avignon. The area offers an abundance of sights to explore before returning to the peace and tranquillity of Le Mas de Jasmin. Set in the background just a few minutes drive from the hamlet is the mountain, Mont Bouquet. Beautiful panoramic views of the whole area can be seen at the top, which is a great spot for a picnic. Uzès is a beautifully preserved historical town and the oldest duchy in France. It has a market every Saturday, at which there is a great variety of foods and goods for sale; this colourful market is the most famous in the region. Ten minutes outside Uzés is its most famous landmark, the Roman viaduct above the Gard river built in the first century.

There are many places nearby which are well worth visiting. Nîmes is home to the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in Europe. The immensely important historical town of Avignon is dominated by the immense Gothic splendour of the Palais des Papes, or papal palace, built during the Great Schism of the 14th century. The old city is surrounded by 12th century defensive ramparts.

South of Avignon lie the towns of Les-Baux-de-Provence, St. Rémy-de-Provence, and Arles, once home to Van Gogh. The national park of the Camargue, a great salt marsh, is famous for its flocks of flamingos and horses. Also within reach is the Cévennes mountains, home to the town of Anduze.

To the north is the Gorges de l'Ardèche, a huge canyon which has some of the deepest and oldest caves in the world. Canoeing there is a popular pastime. The closest airport is Nîmes, which can be reached directly from London Stansted, Luton, Liverpool and East Midlands, plus Brussels. Other airports are Avignon and Marseille international airport. Paris to Avignon is just a two and a half hour ride with the High Speed Train (TGV).

A view from the garden	The al fresco dining area, with barbecue
The double bedroom	One of the bedrooms with a king-size bed
The twin bedroom