It’s hard to deny the timeless allure of living in France, a country that effortlessly embodies a certain je ne sais quoi.
The thought alone conjures up daydreams of strolling through sun-dappled vineyards, savouring the faint scent of lavender on the breeze, or indulging in leisurely feasts that stretch on for hours by the glittering Mediterranean.
Given the option to move there – and a sizable real estate budget – I’m not sure where I’d settle on to live.
A centuries-old chateau steeped in history, ideally with its own vineyard, wrapped in lush, rolling countryside? Or perhaps a coastal haven down south, where I’d seamlessly slip into a rhythm dictated by the sea and the effortless glamour of Mediterranean living?
With Chateau des Baumelles, the luxury is in not having to choose between the two at all.
Located just five minutes from the picturesque beaches of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in south-eastern France, the property blends seaside proximity and vineyard serenity.
Built in the 1500s, the property is part of the area’s heritage and was once a stronghold of the Abbey of Saint Victor. Now, it’s a stunning eight-bedroom chateau and estate, sitting on sprawling 1.2-hectare grounds with the rolling hills of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer as a backdrop.
The historic property is currently listed for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate for €6.5 million ($10.5 million).
The chateau is partially restored and flanked by five stately towers elegantly joined by ancient surrounding walls. A magnificent reception hall boasting a soaring cathedral ceiling seamlessly connects the historic wing to the modern addition.
The drive up to the chateau is nothing short of grand. An imposing wrought-iron gate opens to allow access within the solid walls, revealing a majestic, tree-lined driveway leading you to the front door.
Step inside, and it’s every bit as enchanting as you’d expect. The ground floor houses elegant spaces, including two grand reception rooms, living rooms, a large kitchen, a formal dining room, an office and a library.
“The old part of the castle is made up of numerous reception rooms and with magnificent fireplaces and period woodwork,” says listing agent Nicolas Benhamou. “A magnificent private library offers an intimate setting for reading by the fire.”
The next two levels above offer comfortable living quarters.
“The two upper levels offer eight very beautiful suites,” Benhamou says. “The old part is linked by a magnificent reception room – for festive evenings and dinners – to the recent part of the castle, which remains to be converted.
“This rear part will offer a large living room as well as a professional kitchen opening onto a spit for cooking over a wood fire.
“This part will also offer four other suites upstairs. It also has a magnificent rooftop with a view of the sea and vineyards for chic and luxurious cocktails.
“A meeting room and a cinema room complete this part.”
Back outside, and the offering is just as delightful, with lush and meticulously landscaped grounds.
Benhamou says the stunning 16-metre stone swimming pool is complemented by “a spacious pool house with summer kitchen, fountains among the olive trees, a bar area, numerous annexes – including a caretaker’s house – and a magnificent new tennis court”.
For those who relish the charm of a renovation project, this chateau offers an irresistible opportunity.
While the historic spaces exude timeless elegance and seamlessly coexist with the updated sections, the property brims with untapped potential, inviting you to reimagine and elevate its grandeur even further.
And as for that location? Live here, and you’re surrounded by vineyards, forested hills and the sparkling Mediterranean.
“The castle is ideally located on the hills of the town of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, which offers a lifestyle close to the sea, beaches and all amenities,” Benhamou says. “Marseille airport is only 45 minutes by car.”
It’s an area known for the kinds of things summer dreams are made of: beaches (yes, there are even some sandy beaches around here) water sports, exploring vineyards, lazy afternoons drinking an aperitif with friends, or doing not very much at all.
It’s a place where time seems to slow, and every moment feels steeped in indulgence and charm.
So why choose between countryside charm and coastal chic when you can have both?