Villa Vagabonde

When guests take their seats on the patio under white parasols in the morning, there’s usually a slight delay before they reach for cloth napkins and silverware. First make sure: Is this really breakfast or art that you’re just allowed to look at? The fruit salad decorated with mint leaves, the camembert embedded in dried fruit, the local jams in jars—it’s evident that someone with a sense of beauty is at work here, someone with a lot of heart and soul. In fact, it was love at first sight for Wim and Veerle when they first came to the village of Gordes, situated in picture-perfect surroundings on a rocky outcrop. In 2013, this is where the Flemish-Belgian couple bought an old 19th-century farmhouse, with the goal of turning it into a B&B. After 25 years in diamond mining and horticulture, they felt it was time for a fresh start in the south of France. At the time, the realtor spoke of the “minor refurbishment” that the house would need. In the end, they left nothing as it was, except for a single floor. The result is a modern boutique hotel in the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon that brings together simplicity and elegance. Design and minimalism meet a relaxed atmosphere. The small garden with olive and fig trees, rosemary and lavender, a pool and a stunning view over the valley, is a wonderful place to lose track of time. For those who like understated luxury and tranquility, Villa Vagabonde might well become their favorite place. Speaking of which, the owners thought about the name before they found their dream house. “The region attracts many artists who appreciate a free spirit lifestyle,” says Veerle. “This place aims to reflect that feel. And precisely because our house is not a villa, we kept it in the name.”

What we like:

• The B&B was created for guests who are looking for high quality in a homely atmosphere. A “no dress code” principle applies here.
• Colorful cement tiles and vintage-style cabinet doors provide authentic accents.
• In the double rooms, you’ll find novels to browse through—with a little luck also in a language you can speak!
• The owners are happy to share their passion for Provence with their guests. So it’s no big deal if your guidebook doesn’t fit in your suitcase—the two hosts have a lot of tips to offer about restaurants, museums, markets and activities.
• What Wim and Veerle serve is seasonal and comes from the region.
• Casual art prints adorn the walls of the rooms, as well as encouraging messages that spread good cheer: “Choose a Job You Love, and You Will Never Have to Work a Day in Your Life” or “You Look Amazing”.
• Amidst pale subdued hues, individual features such as a crimson chandelier certainly make an impact.
• Since there are only three rooms, it’s a great place to daydream about your own Luberon home.
• Natural materials such as stone, cement tiles, lime, oak or pine are used almost exclusively.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• If you want to enjoy the chirping of the crickets in a zen-like state, this is the place to be: However, guests must over 16 years old.
• The Provencal breakfast is included in the room rate.
• During the high season, a minimum of three nights must be booked.
• The B&B is located in the “golden triangle”, consisting of the towns of Bonnieux, Ménerbes and Gordes.They are among the most beautiful in France and are situated between two and 20 minutes from Villa Vagabonde. Avignon, Saint-Rémy and Aix-en-Provence can be reached within one hour.
• In the surrounding villages, there are a large number of restaurants, from bistros to top restaurants and everything in between.
• Fluffy bath towels are provided at the pool, bathrobes and terry slippers in the rooms.
• The rooms are bright and airy and equipped with everything you need—a walk-in shower, TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a hairdryer.
• Rooms with a view: Côté Sud, Azur and Rouge Baiser are the names of the rooms, each with a view of the green surroundings.
• Even the private parking spaces are in the best location, namely, in the shade.