“Clos de Lavande” is serenely sited far off the road, up a long, gravel-covered cement driveway lined with olive groves, fruit orchards, a seasonal creek, masses of flowers in season, and a hillside of lavender.

Authenticity is the hallmark of this estate.  All floors are antique–terracotta floor tiles salvaged from100+ year old Provencal homes, antique wood set in authentic pattern, and/or old Abbey stone flooring throughout. All windows, shutters, and interior doors were custom-made in France by the restorer of Versailles! Antique fireplaces (one from 1600), antique locks, French lighting fixtures, antique trumeaux (mirror and painting) above fireplaces, antique roof tiles laid in the “genoise” style (set upon a regulation roof) and myriad indoor and outdoor fixtures from France are gracefully woven throughout this exquisite property.

Hand forged wrought iron gates at the entry open to a courtyard with a hexagonal stone fountain. Just past the fountain the home’s tall rustic wooden entry door stands in the center of a massive stone surround dating to 1650. The Main House, formed as a “U” around the entry courtyard, offers 3 bedroom suites with sitting rooms, a hand made cherry wood library, a French country kitchen with butler’s pantry and linen/crystal closet, a breakfast room, a family room, both formal living and dining rooms, and an art studio (optional 4th bedroom in Main House). The Master Suite enjoys dual baths and dressing rooms, and in addition to the secondary baths, there are 2 powder rooms. Additionally, the Main House offers a refrigerated wine room, flower room (with 18th century cabinet and zinc sink) and an oversized 3-car garage with attic above.

The French country kitchen marries the charm of Provence with the efficiency of of today’s appliances and conveniences. A pizza oven inspired by the fireplaces that typify country kitchens, open shelves, a single-basin country sink, warm Jerusalem limestone counters flanked by ochre and white custom tiles from France, and Civil war era reclaimed rustic beams overhead emphasize the country feel of this unique room . The kitchen centerpiece is an oversized table/center island constructed of London plane wood (sycamore) which is a self-healing wood. Matching sycamore chairs complete the setting. The adjacent Breakfast Room with walls of hand-forged French window/doors enjoys broad views of expansive lawns, gardens, orchards, and the privately sited Guest House. The long, narrow pool/spa and fish pond are edged in limestone coping stones that once lined roadsides in Provence.

The Guest House presents a full bedroom suite, a living room and a full kitchen. Interior and exterior fireplaces and the same authentic finishes as the Main House are enjoyed here. The surrounding Certified Organic Gardens produce olives, citrus, deciduous fruit, vegetables and, of course, enchanting stands of lavender and roses!

All interior walls are plaster with bullnose corners; crown moldings and graceful archways adorn all rooms and hallways. Cross enfilade construction, multiple ceiling heights, 8 fireplaces,and gracious 10′ doors and windows that open to views of the garden keep the spaces warm and inviting. Outdoor loggias enjoy fireplaces, limestone floors, and beams over 100 years old. State of the art conveniences include 5 HVAC zones, 3 tankless water heaters, surround sound, interior sprinklers, security system, computerized irrigation.

The property has been featured in San Diego Home and Garden, the Union Tribune, Country French Decorating, Dream Kitchens, and is in the 2010 spring edition of Outdoor Rooms.

Originally $4,500,000, NOW $3,495,000.  Not replaceable at this price.  Seller in escrow on another property and extremely motivated. MUST SELL!!!!

ALSO for RENTAL @ $14,250!!!!!

To View the Virtual Tour click here.