Valensole

Located in the heart of Provence, the Valensole Plateau is a truly unique destination featuring vast, sweeping expanses of lavender—a site renowned among lovers of the region. The plateau is also home to officially designated villages and boasts a rich local history.

The Valensole Plateau offers an unforgettable experience in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Nearly 800 square kilometers of blooms color the landscape as far as the eye can see; these are the lavender fields that carpet the plateau. While the mere sight of these fields is soothing, the plant is also highly sought after for its essential oil.

Situated in a quiet location in the heart of the village, this private mansion dates back to the 18th century.

This fine building once belonged to the Fresse family—farmers who amassed a fortune in the Middle Ages and were ennobled under the reign of Louis XIV. The family became the Fresse de Montval line and remained the wealthiest in Valensole for several centuries; they owned numerous properties in Manosque and Aix-en-Provence, as well as the château located just outside Valensole on the road to Gréoux-les-Bains. The Valensole house served as their "town house." Before becoming private property, the garden and its well formed a public square. Later, the residence belonged to a religious order that ran a boarding school for girls.

It has a usable floor area of approximately 480 sqm, comprising:

On the ground floor (street level): entrance hall, a room, a bedroom with an alcove/mezzanine, and a workshop.

On the garden level: entrance hall, kitchen, living/dining room, pantry, bedroom, and bathroom with toilet.
Split-level landing: toilet.

On the 1st floor: 3 bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, a small hallway with a concealed door, and a secret passageway connecting two bedrooms.

On the 2nd floor: 3 bedrooms, a bathroom (with both bath and shower) and toilet, and a laundry room.

On the 3rd floor: a living room, a kitchen/dining area with a lovely, unobstructed view of the city rooftops and surrounding hills, and a pantry.

On the basement: 3 cellars, including a large tiled one currently used as a music studio.

Outside: a charming, tree-filled courtyard garden 265 sqm.

Full of charm and authenticity; beautiful period features have been preserved.

The property is ready to live in as-is, though there is also scope for renovation and optimization.

This large family home is suitable for use as a primary or low-maintenance secondary residence. It is also perfectly suited for investment as a holiday rental property; the owners previously operated it as a bed and breakfast.

Ideally located in a quiet area, yet close to shops and amenities.

Manosque: 20 minutes; Aix-en-Provence Tgv station: 50 minutes; Marseille Provence Airport: 1 hour.