Domaine de Layaude Basse

Lacoste is such a beautiful village tucked into the hills of Provence that we felt so lucky to find an exceptionally outstanding place to stay. The Domaine de Layaude Basse, a charming, 18th-century stone farmhouse nestled in the trees just outside Lacoste, has been in the Mazel family for many generations. With loving care and exceptionally good taste, Lydia and Olivier Mazel, your gracious hosts, totally renovated the family home as a bed and breakfast, adding bathrooms for all the guestrooms, a cheerful, glass-enclosed dining room, a splendid swimming pool, and attractive landscaping. They have been sensitive to the nature of the house and not only preserved the wonderful architectural features of the house, but also kept many of the old farm tools, now artistically displayed on the walls. One of my favorite rooms just oozes charm with a huge stone fireplace, tiled floors, beamed ceiling, yokes for oxen on the walls, dried flowers hanging from the ceiling, a marvelous hanging cupboard, and antique plates. The bedrooms are not large, but as sweet as can be, with pretty Provençal fabrics used throughout. The swimming pool is nestled on a terrace with an incredible view out over the beautiful countryside. The Layaude Basse also has a nice restaurant and guests are requested to dine at the domaine. The Domaine de Layaude Basse is a marvelous value—a reasonably priced place to stay that offers great charm.