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La Ricolette is a charming two-bedroom house (a third bedroom could be easily constructed) situated in one of the most dramatically beautiful regions of Provence. The house takes on an unmistakably Provencal character from its dull-red terra cotta tile roof, rose-ochre stucco exterior (the trademark of its neighboring village, Roussillon), pale-green shutters and antiqued interior wood finishes. Among its many advantages are utter privacy with hardly another structure in immediate sight, modern amenities, and a decorative scheme that emphasizes cheerful colors and sun-filled spaces. It also has stunning long-range view of the vineyards and orchards of the verdant Lubéron Valley. Mechanically the house is in perfect mechanical condition, and is ready for immediate occupancy.
La Ricolette has strong appeal for upper-level vacation clients, and can demonstrate a well-established track record of generating substantial rental revenues for its owner.
The 9,400 m2 (2.3-acre) property is set high on a garrigue, or limestone plain, that looks south and west toward the ochre cliffs of Roussillon and the mountains of the Lubéron range. Comprised of 160 m2 (1,722 sq. ft.) on a single level, the space includes a living room, separate dining area, guest lavatory, kitchen and two bedrooms, each with a beautiful ensuite bath in taupe-colored tile. The floors throughout the house are square blocks of off-white stone, the ceilings are traversed by thick dark beams, and the walls are painted a creamy white.
The living room, dining room and kitchen, separated into distinct rooms by partial walls, are linked by tall, rounded archways that create the impression of a continuous flow of light and space. Wide windows and French doors admit breezes that keep the house cool in summer, while a sophisticated central heating system ensures plenty of warmth for fall or winter occupancy. In the living room there is also an impressive white stone chimney.
The good-sized kitchen has wide counters, a double soapstone sink, plentiful cabinet space and a full array of appliances, all included in the sale price. Just off the kitchen is a laundry room with an American-style washing machine and separate dryer. From the laundry room a door leads to a one-car garage that could be converted into an additional bedroom with its own door to the exterior.
The two bedrooms open from the living room or foyer. The spacious master bedroom faces southwest and opens directly onto the terrace and pool area. The commodious ensuite bath has a tub with hand-held shower, bidet and WC.
To reach the second bedroom, equally comfortable but slightly smaller than the master bedroom, one passes through a smaller room that can function as a sitting room, or an office. The ensuite bath for this bedroom has a large stall shower with glass door, WC and – as is common throughout the house – recessed halogen overhead lighting.
One of most agreeable features of La Ricolette is its flagstone terrace. The terrace, long and wide, runs the length of the southwest-oriented façade of the house, and may be reached by double French doors from all rooms in the house except the second bedroom and office.
Flagstone steps lead past rose gardens to the 4m X 8m (13' X 26') rectangular pool, which is surrounded by a flagstone deck.
Roussillon, a pretty little village famed for its ochre-red cliffs, is a drive of about 3 km. Roussillon is filled with interesting shops and small galleries featuring the work of local artists. Other nearby villages in the Lubéron constellation include Ménerbes, Lacoste, Saint-Saturnin-d'Apt and peaceful little Bonnieux. For shopping there is Apt, 11 km to the east, which has a supermarket, a variety of stores and – on Saturday morning – one of the most bountiful and animated markets in all of Provence.
Price: 850,000 € | Rental potential:Excellent.
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