Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

2 5 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I F or those of us who live in the Middle East, the prospect of green rolling countryside, fresh air and the occasional afternoon curled up beside a roaring fire is ever-appealing. Even for the seasoned traveller, a few days respite from the Emirates’ late summer sun is a welcome thought. And so, when my husband and I were invited to La Bergerie in the South of France at the beginning of October, we couldn’t fill our Globe Trotter suitcases fast enough. Situated in the hills that overlook Cannes, Nice and theMediterranean Sea, La Bergerie is one of the most exclusive private houses in Provence. Set on its own 1.4-hectare plot in the midst of the highly sought-after Domaine de Terre Blanche golf and spa resort, the house caters to the well heeled and in-the-know in need of a few days (or possibly even weeks) holiday. Beautifully marrying privacy with service it offers all of the discretion of a private rental coupled with the amenities youmight expect from a leading luxury hotel with a chef, concierge, chauffeur and staff all part of the offering. The house itself is a refuge of taste and style, expertly decorated by interior designers Collection Privée and owners David and Laura Rich-Jones who have been developing properties in their native UK and abroad for the past two decades. Not for them the tasteless bling so often found in these parts – instead the house is an elegant combination of modern comforts and antique finds with contemporary artwork thrown in the mix. Ideally suited to those who travel in larger parties, it sleeps 12 with a master suite and three further double bedrooms on the first floor and a loft annexe with two bedrooms on the top floor – perfect for younger children or visiting guests. Bedrooms are in discreet shades of cream, moss, lavender and stone and all are en-suite, with bathrooms fitted to the highest standards and featuring their own unique touches. Our bedroom, a soothing grey cocoon with shuttered doors leading onto its own terrace, was annexed by a minimalist wet room, the wall of which was made up of hand applied mosaic tiles – a pattern that recalled the stone walls of the original bergerie onwhich the house was built.