When I was anticipating what I might be lucky enough to see on our first excursion to Provence, I confess I was consumed with those grand and ever-stretching fields of Lavender and shops filled with iconic pottery selections and Boit Glassware. But, a completely different experience unfolded……..
Perhaps the one sentiment one can most hope for when staying somewhere on a vacation is “extraordinarily rewarding”. Moreover, to shortchange a place such as this in chronicling the trip would be more than inappropriate and terribly sad. And so, before I return to write about the last several days of our trip in Paris, I feel like I need to do a more thorough job illustrating the beauty and enchantment I felt while staying at Domaine de la Baume.
There are places in the world that, when you arrive and settle in, a part of you secretly, or not so, wishes you could just stay. This house, former home of the artist Bernard Buffet, and now a most gorgeous specialty “inn” is one of those. As we stayed and spoke with staff and guests alike, we pondered the fact that they would be closing down in just a couple of weeks for the “season”. I wondered aloud if they needed someone to tend to the place until next Spring’s arrival.
I found it to be indeed perplexing that everyone could close up shop here and either migrate to one of the other Sibuet properties or take the Winter off. Really? To me, this house was a home, needing and deserving tender loving care 365 days per year.
As I familiarized myself with the property, I found that it included all that I needed to feed my soul for the Winter, and indeed any season – with the exception of close proximity to a big city. Other than that, I could have definitely stayed, with the help of maybe one person, to tend to and nurture this place. All that was perhaps needed was a good woodpile and reliable central heating and non-freezing plumbing. Everything else was perfect.
Herewith a selection of my photos, to whet your appetite for what may truly be characterized as a visit to a brilliantly executed venue:
The views: I literally found myself wandering around alone somewhat aimlessly, particularly in the afternoons, just coming upon more and more of what the grounds had to offer……..
Junot et Panache:
I can’t tell you what a treat it was to discover these sweet and adorable horses – to visit and chat with each day:
The Roses:
An array of choice plantings, cheeringly offering their autumn splendor:
Figs and Olives:
while the figs here were slightly past prime, the olives were awaiting the harvest in mid-November
The Water Lillies – discovering this spot was slightly otherworldly, especially in the afternoon light:
Some eyes to watch over all:
From the kitchen of Chef Elodie:
this is truly a “died and gone-to-heaven” dream job for me – what’s better, the making or the eating?
A cozy feeling all over:
The Orangery – shouldn’t every home have one?
Other elements of the outdoors:
at one o’clock a veiled wild pig
would this qualify as a truffle?
Food, Glorious Food:
There was no end to the inimitable offerings from Chef François and his rewardingly so, congenial, calm but exacting kitchen – can life really get any better than this?
the last words – feels like home to me <3
This post is in tribute to what can only be described as the perfect combination of an extraordinary physical location and the brilliant execution of each and every element of hospitality by the many talented, kind and very welcoming people. The only thing I can imagine that would be better than staying here, would be to have the job to put such a project together and have such a delightful and rewarding result. I thank you.