Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Ellie, and together with my husband Tom, we are the owners of the Mas. Tom is in his fifties, and I will remain “40-something” for as long as necessary. The Mas is our home, but we originally come from Antwerp. Over the years, we have also lived in Brussels and Paris before settling here.

We’d love to give our guests a better sense of who you are. Could you share a bit more about yourself?

Tom used to run a lifestyle PR agency, and I built an international career on the business side of the fashion industry. Together, we own enough clothes and shoes to never have to shop again. We are true food and wine lovers—both of which were big motivators for our move south. We love exploring the surrounding landscape, hosting dinners with friends, and cuddling with our cat, Jean-Jacques.

When and how did this home come into your life, and what motivated you to make it part of your journey?

We had been searching for a (smaller and more affordable) home in the South for a few years but kept getting disappointed—too little outdoor space, too much work, already renovated but not to our taste... the list went on. The moment we visited this place, we fell in love with the view and its character. It needed a lot of renovation, but we could spread that over time. It took four months for the owners to accept our offer and another six months before we got the keys.

Can you tell us more about the renovation and furnishing process?

In short: long, expensive, and thorough!!! We took our time (five years) and wanted a restoration that honored the 17th-century heart of the building. We used as many local and authentic materials as possible—think lime plaster, travertine, and polished concrete. Most of the furniture was inherited or collected from flea markets. We truly made it our home and poured our heart and soul into it.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

I never tire of the views of the valley and surrounding mountains, as far as the eye can see. I love the smell and sounds of the garden: mediterranean herbs, roses, the bees and the cicadas always buzzing, even in winter. During the first lockdown this place was a real sanctuary, it was as if the whole pandemic just passed us by, it was just so peaceful and quiet here. I also cherish all the moments spent by the pool and the outdoor kitchen with family and friends, sharing good food and wine, maybe some stargazing later on in the evening.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

It's got a very soothing vibe to it, thanks to the natural materials and colours. At the same time it's a place that is great for entertaining and spending quality time together as a group or family, in all seasons, whilst also allowing all the guest plenty of privacy, thanks to the many private seating areas and terraces.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

I love the primary bathroom, the texture of the bejmat tiles that we went to pick ourselves in Morroco always sparks nice memories, and the view from the bath tub is amazing. However, my absolute favourite place it the kitchen, especially when I am cooking with or for friends and people are hanging out on the bench, chatting and having a glass of wine.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

The natural surroundings are incredibly beautiful, with a rich and varied ecosystem. It does attract tourism but it is very much still an authentic part of the South of France. The organic produce and beautiful (natural) wines really complement the scenery. It gets warm in the summer months but manages to stay quite green which is really pleasant. If you want a change of scenery, so many sights to see within a 50km radius.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

All our bed and bath linen is certified organic and handmade, we offer our own olive oil and jams, organic shower gel made with olive oil. Recycling is mandatory and we have a compost heap in the back of the garden.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

We wanted to live a different kind of life in the South of France, away from the corporate world. We had often gotten the request from friends to book it in the past, so we quickly put 2 and 2 together and figured we could turn this into a viable business, applying our skills and sharing a place we love deeply.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

First of all the house is actually an assembly of several dwellings merged together at one point, so you get lots of steps up and down, and several doors that lead to the outside or into the garden. It can be quite mind boggling for some at first! The place dates back to the late 17th century in parts, and you can sense that it was always a happy place, with it's hilltop setting and the sun's warming presence from dusk till dawn. The main thing to do in the Mas is to relax, enjoy and disconnect from real life for a couple of days. We see the place as a sanctuary from the stress of the outside world. Everything moves at a slower pace, so you can enjoy every last second of your stay to the fullest. Your senses will be heightened by the vivid colours of nature all around, the taste of succulent fruit and vegetables warmed by the blissful sun.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

I could off course list the beautiful design, the spectacular pool and the insane views, but you've probably already seen that in all the pictures, right? We have put our heart and soul into this house, decorating the rooms with pieces we've collected and inherited, improving the garden, always anticipating how we can make our guests enjoy their stay to the fullest. We want you to dream that this is your home for a couple of days. We want you to remember us for a long time after you've left. Little details that show you that we care are very important to us. We want to convey the love we have for this place and we want you to feel that love.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

A review: Stayed here last summer and…. WHAT A PIECE OF HEAVEN is this!!!! ❤️ Ellie Gomperts and her husband are AMAZING hosts. They treated us as if we were family and went out of their way MANY times just to make sure we felt at ease. The house looks like it came out of a magazine and has all the essentials for and idyllic vacation. I have no words to describe how wonderful it felt to have been there…. Let me just say that every time I am stressed my thoughts go to The Mas, because it became MY HAPPY PLACE!

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

The peaceful sense of total relaxation, of feeling happy and unstressed, making memories with your family and loved ones in a beautiful setting.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?

Don't be tempted to do one big shop at the large Hypermarket. There are loads of little shops and markets with excellent local products that you will want to sample. Who wants to eat Dutch tomatoes in the South of France? My perfect day is going out to the market early in the morning, buying whatever looks good, taste local cheese, have a coffee somewhere, pick up a rotisserie chicken or a tielle sètoise for lunch, then come home, have a swim, lunch and a siesta with a really good book. Lots of excursions around here, difficult to pick one, but my guests always really enjoy going to Marseillan (not to be confused with Marseille) for a stroll along the dock of the Canal du Midi, a visit to the beautiful Noilly Pratt museum and a seafood lunch, either at the St Barth (only oysters and mussels) or one of many restaurants in the village. For the adventurous visitor, a kayaking trip along the Orb river or a tree top trail are a lot of fun. Always always always check the large Plane tree in the village square: this is where all the festivities, brocante markets and concerts are announced.