01

Le Mas des Poiriers is such a magical place. What first drew you to the property, and what vision did you have when you began its restoration? 

Thank you so much, that is so kind of you. We rented Le Mas des Poiriers as a holiday rental for our family and immediately fell in love. We had rented other properties in years past but none had had the green, flat land which is unusual in arid Provence. The large main structure with high ceilings and spacious rooms appealed to us, as it offered enough space for our large and growing family. The potential for the house was evident; it just needed some loving care.

The house was in need of repair when we rented it. It had been renovated approximately 15 years earlier, but the renovation lacked authenticity to the original 200-year-old structure. I came across the authentic restoration work of Alexandre Lafourcade and was pleased that he was willing to undertake this project. We conducted a site visit, inspecting the exterior of the house, noting the absence of a distinct front door and the presence of numerous doors surrounding the building. We mutually agreed to construct a new main entrance door on the northern side and to create a new grand staircase and entry hall just inside the door. We removed the existing flooring and replaced it with a stone type consistent with the original materials. Walls were relocated, ceilings were opened up, bathrooms were gutted, and the house was extended into the adjacent old barn attached to the west. The dirt floor of the barn was replaced, and new spaces were constructed, including a living room and office on the main floor, as well as a new master bedroom suite and an additional bedroom on the upper floor. We designed an L’Orangerie and a garage beneath a long roof that historically protected crops and equipment.

There was a barn and a guest house also on the property. We renovated both structures; the barn was practically falling over. Today, we use the barn as housing for our team, and the guest house has an additional two bedrooms with a sitting room for guests and family use.

The current gardens were predominantly farmland in the original property. There were some lawns to the south surrounding a swimming pool, but the remainder of the estate was cultivated with sunflowers and wheat. The swimming pool was relocated to the east to ensure privacy from the entrance driveway and to provide protection from the row of 200-year-old cypress trees situated to the north of the now pool. The gardens were designed by the renowned Provençal landscape architect Dominique Lafourcade and were installed in the third year following the completion of construction. I envisioned a long cypress avenue, inspired by a residence we previously rented in Tuscany, with Dominique surrounding the cypress with climbing roses, wisteria, jasmine, and the classic iris made famous by Van Gogh, which bloom throughout the gardens in spring. There is invariably something in bloom at Le Mas; I hold a deep admiration for the gardens.

02

Provence has long inspired artists, writers and travellers. What is it about this landscape that continues to inspire you personally? 

It is evident why the scenery in Provence has served as an inspiration for Impressionist artists. The landscape exhibits considerable diversity throughout the region, presenting scenes such as expansive vineyards that extend across the Luberon valley floor and ascend to rocky hilltop villages. Additionally, rugged cliffs support stone residences and castles. Olive trees are dispersed at the foot of the Petite Alpilles, while cypress trees stand tall at the entrance of each residence. The presence of three cypress trees together is traditionally regarded as a sign of welcome in Provence.

03

For someone arriving at Le Mas des Poiriers for the first time, what moment or experience best captures the spirit of the house? 

As you enter the property, you drive along the south side of our namesake pear orchard and through the allée of 200 year old plane trees to reach the main entrance. The entrance drive is the perfect introduction to Le Mas des Poiriers, capturing the heart of who we are – a farmhouse nestled next to an orchard of pear trees. We hope that guests immediately feel relaxed and embraced by nature when they arrive at Le Mas.

04

The art of hosting is so central to the experience at Le Mas des Poiriers. What does a perfect summer day at the property look like for you and your guests?

A quintessential Provence summer day starts with breakfast on the terrace, wearing swimsuits and flip-flops, in anticipation of a leisurely day. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to enjoying the pool to escape the heat, with lunch taken under the pool house where fans keep everyone cool. From the pool, a walk to the orchard for pear picking for a tarte aux poires is a wonderful family activity. The grandchildren collect their baskets and select ripened fruit within reach, or request to be lifted onto grandpa’s shoulders to reach the higher fruit.

A drive to town for ice cream or a visit to the Pont du Gard to swim in the river are both delightful options for an afternoon outing. Dinner is served either on the patio or in the cypress allée. The evenings are spent at the tennis court, playing friendly matches under the lights when the temperatures cool down.

05

The gardens and surrounding nature are incredibly special. Is there a particular flower, tree or seasonal moment on the property that you love most? 

I suppose that there are two moments that are truly spectacular on property. First, it is very hard to compete with wisteria and iris season. The lavender colors appear at the same time in late April and it is magnificent to see. The Provence iris are immortalized by Van Gogh, of course, but they are authentically planted in every garden and at every entrance throughout Provence. 

Also, another moment that is particularly delightful, is when the pear trees blossom. The white flowers are spectacular, and a walk through the orchard is incredibly beautiful when the trees are in bloom.

06

Provence is renowned for its food and wine culture. Are there any local traditions, ingredients or culinary rituals that guests should not miss when visiting the region? 

On property you must try our classic Tarte aux Poires, made with pears from our trees. Our chefs love to offer planned or impromptu cooking classes and they are happy to teach anything that interests you! Tarte aux Poires class is a big favorite with our clients and family. It is wonderful to cook together in our classic kitchen, enjoying time with family and friends while learning something new.

Le Mas is just ten minutes from Chateauneuf du Pape and the fantastic wineries there. A wine tasting is a must! We collaborate with a highly qualified sommelier, Kelly McAuliffe. Kelly was the first American sommelier in France who worked with Alain Ducasse at several locations, including opening a restaurant with him in Las Vegas. Our guests love to go wine tasting with Kelly, or alternatively, he can bring the tasting to Le Mas for a private and comfortable in-house experience.

We have great connections with all the wonderful restaurants in our area, which is surrounded by Michelin Star establishments. Our concierge will be happy to recommend and reserve tables at restaurants that interest our clients.  

07

What is one hidden gem in Provence that you always love sharing with guests staying at Le Mas des Poiriers?

There are so many hidden gems in Provence, it is hard to choose just one!  

There are fields of poppies in May at the base of Gordes in the Luberon Valley and lavender fields in June along a lovely road between Le Mas and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. They are off the beaten path and feel magical in their respective seasons. We love to give our guests maps and send them with a picnic to explore these lovely regions of Provence.

Personally, I love to go antiquing and have a list of hidden gem antique stores in L’Isle sur la Sorgue. Favorites include Kate Silverplate and her wonderful silver shop tucked away near the train station. Jean Jacques and David’s little shop, Memoire d’Un One. Antoine and Corrine’s shop Ramis, near our favorite restaurant in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Jardin du Quai. We love to share a list of our favorite shops with our guests for their own antiquing adventures!

Lavender Fields - South of France

08

When you think about the most memorable gatherings or celebrations held at the house, what makes those moments so special?

At Le Mas, we host many family celebrations including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and reunions. It is our joy to do all that we can to make these events memorable. Whether you would like to dine in the cypress alley, on the patio, in the dining room, or the Orangerie, our team will do their utmost to create the celebration of your dreams for our in-house guests.

Celebrations beyond the total capacity of our in-house accommodations are planned and managed by your event planner. We love to see these beautiful gatherings come to life.

Luke White - Photography and Vendome Press -  publisher Provence Style - Le Mas des Poiriers

09

If you had to describe the feeling you hope guests leave with after a stay at Le Mas des Poiriers, what would it be? 

We hope every guest at Le Mas feels at home when they are with us and leaves planning their return. We host many repeat guests and strive to make them feel as if they have come back home. Our Le Mas chefs completely reset the kitchen between guests to restock requested items for the next guest.  We are happy to discuss not only dietary needs before arrival but also the favorite dishes and drinks of each guest in the party.

10

Finally, what continues to inspire you as you look ahead to the future of Le Mas des Poiriers? 

Le Mas is fundamentally a country house, but it has evolved into so much more. What began as a comfortable farm home has been elevated over time. It has become more modern in function yet more collected in design. The markets always a draw for me, and there's a natural flow around the ever-changing collection of antiques and art.

Luke White - Photography and Vendome Press - publisher Provence Style - Le Mas des Poiriers

Instagram: @provencepoiriers 

Website: https://provencepoiriers.com