Outside issues:
-Difficult access for vehicles into property
-Gate sticks occasionally
-Ants, centipedes, snakes, mosquitos
-Pool light dislodged during our stay.
-Pool water was cold
Inside issues:
-No AC. Property was too warm to sleep at night. Portable fans didn't help.
-Mosquitos (no window screens)
-Multiple tripping hazards
-Trecherous stairs between main and lower floors
-Damp and musky smell in lower guest room
-Twin beds in lower guest room were very uncomfortable
-Privacy issues with lower bathroom (no blinds on windows)
-Toilet seat cover in lower bathroom was broken. We had to fix it ourselves.
-Kitchen stovetop burners were difficult to light due to ignition not working. We found a barbeque sparker but it was also not working. We ate cold meals.
-Poor wifi
-Realtor showed property during our stay giving only half day notice
Finally:
After waiting several days for refund of our damage deposit, I contacted the owner's representative. The owner emailed back and accused us of causing water damage to a chair in the lower guest room and said she was withholding part of our damage deposit. We insisted we had never touched any chairs in this room and requested a full refund of our deposit. She relented at first and then changed her mind and kept the damage deposit as well as charging us an extra ÂŁ50 for her time in corresponding with us.
Beautiful location but worst short term life experience we've ever had.
We lived in the South of France (Cannes, Le Cannet, Super Cannes, Mougins and Chateauneuf) from 2002 to end 2011. We lived there with our four sons and during the Summer usually let our home to international clients. We have been known to Owners Direct since 2003 and we are happy to provide references should you need one. It's always a nervous when you send your first deposit - so don't be afraid of asking for references! We know the area very well and can recommend chefs who will cook for you (and tidy up!). We will always recommend places to go where you won't get ripped off. We can tell you where not to go as well.
As we said in the beginning about us - we lived in France for a long time and have had several properties. We did what most people do when they first arrive in France on the Cote, and that is live as close as possible to the Sea. As we slowly moved a little further back into nearly le L'arriĂšre-Pays, you find peace and tranquillity.
Not only can you enjoy the glamour of St Tropez, Monaco or Cannes, you are so close to the lavender fields, olive groves and rows of ripening vines in the Provençal countryside. You can simply people-watch over a strong coffee & croissant six minutes away in Valbonne in the quaint medieval market square with red mountains glinting in the sun... There is something for everybody down in our location, what could be more perfect?
Incredibly well situated - don't under estimate the stress of getting to St Tropez in peak season - it can take 5 hours from Nice Airport and 5 Hours Back again! We are just 15 - 20 minutes away. Fancy driving up to Gourdon - another incredible medieval village - why not stop on the way and do a spot of Go-Karting with the kids - D3 toward Gourdon - GreoliĂšres - Caussols and it's just 2.5 Kms away! 10 - 15 minutes from the Villa. Or get yourself some perfume or eau de cologne from the Perfume factories in Grasse - 10 minutes away - my favourite is Sportissimo. Or drive over to Mougins (12 mins) and dine in the best restaurants in the area - our favourite is Le Bistro - ask for Alan (he's the owner and been there 25 years+, or Delphine. Nip down to the Forville Market in Cannes..
From April the villa has a restaurant style/size giant BBQ, new terrace area and Air-Conditioning throughout. :-) From June a child proof cover will be fitted to the pool .