Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Fancy a mini break in Provence?

During April and May we are offering a special four day mini break at  400€ per couple, including breakfasts and an evening meal on your arrival day. Plus we can make restaurant reservations and suggestions of where to go and what to in advance, so that you make the most of your four days.

 



Return flights from London start at under £70 and car hire is easily arranged 

 

 email or call us to check availability in our gites or house,  and let us help you plan your mini break in Provence now. Of course should you wish to stay a few nights longer we can tailor a package to suit. 

  

April & May are glorious months with blossom, poppies and wonderful produce is available. 

Temperatures suit walking , swimming or simply relaxing! and you beat the summer crowds!


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Fabulous spring weather



Its funny how the off season months are amongst our favourites in Provence, the glorious spring sun shine, the days become longer , the roads are still quiet as are the villages in advance of the (most welcome) arriving tourists.
First comes the Almond blossom and fast on its tail the cherry blossom although these trees are very early.



We are working hard re land scaping by the pool side area and all will be revealed in the next week to ten days, meanwhile Karen has been preparing the bank where we shall replant the Lavander 




Thijs, who built our house and pool is back to carry out some seasonal repairs ( I think thats what we call them), the snow and frost lifted the tiles on the infinity edge of the pool. Between us we came up with a better idea that hopefully will stand the test of winters ahead.



A very strong glue and then hand applied liquid cement with colouring should do the trick.


Looking good, now it just has to set before we can refill the pool and open up ready for the first swim, current temperature  is 12 degrees which is up from 9 last week.


Thursday, March 06, 2014

Back to Work!




Whilst we have been away lots of work has been going on in the village, its still not finished and the Jury is still out as to how it will look , watch this space and we will keep you up to date.





One of the squares that is completed and a success!




Even the road leading to our house has been strengthened and resurfaced, years of nagging the Maire has worked!


Spring is here,  after a mild and wet winter, ( we have already had over 300mm of rain this year against a normal annual rainfall of 550mm ) and this weekend 21 degrees is forecast. 



Time to to start pruning!



And major works to do on the pool, where the water flows over the Infinity edge, it has frozen during winter when the temperature occasional fell to sub zero,  the tiles have lifted and so we need to find a solution that will last!




And the Sanglier have still been visiting so time to take up what grass is left, and start our new land scaping programme, again watch this space for progress, all will be done ready for our first clients in April, have no fear!!

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Our Final fortnight!



We stayed a couple of weeks in Camps Bay, just outside Cape Town. 
Here we are joining fellow Luberonites for lunch. 





The Harbour at Hout Bay is excellent for the Sunday food and craft market and for buying freshly caught fish.





Teasing us was The Lions head, standing at 669 metres high, we had to climb to the top! 


The above picture is on the East side, the face of which we climbed.





The Lions head on the West side. The upper part  involves climbing the top ridge, see below,





Mission accomplished at the top where the views are fantastic!


About as daring as I get! over the edge is down and fast!




The view of Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles.



Lunch at La Colombe, one of the top 5 restaurants in Cape Town, it was fabulous.



Karens starter gives an indication of the style.







At Blouberg there is a vast beach, wind make ideal kite surfing conditions and fab views of the city and Table Mountain



On the beach.....




Karen decided she also wanted to do The Lions Head so we were up early, the views alone made the effort worthwhile.




At the top and looking very relaxed!




Going down was harder than going up! 




The vision in yellow is our good friend Paul Froggatt who also made it up and down safely!




This is the view from our bedroom, I think I could get used to it!




On our last day, lunching at Simons on the Groot Constantia vineyard


Our very last picture for this year in CT at the V&A Waterfront, now a tradition on our last day on route to the airport, its been a wonderful holiday but its time to go home......................