What is the name of your accommodation? 

CASAROCA

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

We’re both originally from the French Alps and now live in Annecy—a city blessed with a lake and surrounded by mountains. Our lives have always revolved around the outdoors: skiing, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, sailing… you name it. We’ve both built careers in this world, which has allowed us to seamlessly combine work and passion.

Bruno spent over a decade on the French national mogul skiing team before founding a freeride ski magazine, and later moving into sports marketing at Salomon, the outdoor equipment brand. As for me, I worked in outdoor sports media and in organizing events tied to this universe.

While winter sports are at the heart of our lives, cycling and mountain biking also fuel our adventures. It was through friends that we first discovered the Luberon—and we instantly fell in love.

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

We had been coming to Provence for many years—visiting friends, cycling along winding country roads and mountain trails—and always dreamed of having a place to call our own.

That chance came in 2019, when we discovered a house for sale in the old village of La Roque-sur-Pernes. It was mid-November, not exactly the most flattering season, and yet we immediately fell for this unusual home built into the hillside. Spread over three levels, with exposed stone walls and undeniable character, it had something special.

Of course, the house looked nothing like it does today. The rooms were painted in the traditional bright Provençal colors of the past, and the kitchen was tucked away far from the terrace and pool. Still, we immediately saw its potential.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

It was love at first sight—the kind of impulsive purchase everyone warns you against! And indeed, we soon discovered the house needed far more work than we had imagined.

Then came COVID. With our jobs in winter sports and events suddenly put on hold, we found ourselves in lockdown with time on our hands. What could have been a setback turned into an opportunity: we were able to take on most of the renovation ourselves. Major structural work—like the roof, plumbing, and electricity—was left to professionals, but with no budget left for the rest, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Nearly a full year was spent restoring the house, with some projects carried into the following years.

It was an unforgettable adventure—filled with joy, frustration, sweat, and even tears. At times, we felt overwhelmed and had to put our lives on pause, but the sense of pride we feel today makes every challenge worthwhile.

We were also fortunate to have friends by our side throughout the process. Lau from La Maison Pernoise in Pernes-les-Fontaines brought her sharp eye for interiors, and above all, Magali from Enamoura—our decorating muse and flea-market guide, but also a true friend—helped shape the spirit of the house into what it is today.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

This house carries the imprint of centuries. It was born from several small village homes that were gradually merged together. Over time, different owners added their touch—an extra room here, an attic transformed into a bedroom, a terrace built with a small basin. The result is a truly unique property: a maze of levels and half-levels, charming nooks and crannies, and walls of stone nestled against the hillside.

It also holds a piece of local history: it was the very first house in the village to be equipped with a telephone. Back then, residents would come here to make their calls, before telephones became commonplace in every home.

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

The layout of the house gives it both charm and a strong sense of identity. There’s an immediate feeling of well-being here—everyone has space to breathe. With its multiple living rooms, cozy corners, terraces, and balconies spread across different levels, it never feels crowded. At first, you can even get a little lost in it!

The bedrooms are scattered throughout the house, which means each guest can enjoy privacy before gathering again in the main living area or out on the terrace.

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

This house has stood the test of time, going through several renovations and extensions over the centuries. But few structural improvements had been made—particularly when it came to insulation. We felt strongly about investing in this aspect, so we insulated the roof above the main living area and the attic bedroom, replaced several single-glazed windows, and installed heat pumps. These upgrades have made the house far more comfortable, both in summer and winter, while reducing energy loss.

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

From the very beginning, this Provençal project was imagined as both a home to share with family and friends, and a house we could also open up to guests. We first discovered Provence through friends who welcomed us into their holiday home, creating unforgettable memories, and we wanted to recreate that same spirit ourselves.

We’re so happy to now be able to share this village and this region we love so much. From the start, we chose to renovate the house as if we were going to live in it ourselves, using beautiful materials: lime-based paints, quality bedding, flea-market treasures, elegant lighting. We never thought, “Let’s not add this, it might be too risky if we rent it out.” This home reflects who we are, and we entrust it to our guests in the hope that they will love it just as much as we do—and take care of it in return.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

The very first thing that strikes visitors when they arrive at Casaroca is the breathtaking view from the terraces. Although the house is tucked away in the old village of La Roque-sur-Pernes, it offers an unobstructed panorama of the valley—completely private, with no overlooking neighbors. Guests are then often surprised by the remarkable tranquility of the village. After a day of activities and exploring the bustling villages nearby, coming back here feels like entering a haven of peace and serenity.

Travelers also particularly appreciate the home’s thoughtful and personal décor, as well as its layout, which allows everyone to enjoy their own private space while still being able to gather together in a living room or on a terrace to share moments as a group.

Here are just a few words from our guests:

“Rarely has an Airbnb been this perfect. We are still under the spell of this beautiful home, decorated with such refinement and taste. Functional equipment (nothing missing), impeccable cleanliness, outstanding bedding.”

“A stunning home, beautifully decorated, spotless and perfectly equipped. The terrace with its sublime view allows you to truly enjoy the calm and beauty of the surroundings. We couldn’t recommend it more!”

“The house is absolutely beautifully renovated, with high-quality finishes. We spent our mornings exploring nearby towns, while the children spent every afternoon and evening in the pool. The view is incredible. The house has everything you could possibly need.”

“An absolute treasure of a place. We loved the calm, and how it transported us to another time while still offering every modern comfort. Both the village and the house are simply magnificent!”

“Casaroca is an absolute gem! The old building has been sensitively restored, with a clever use of space to suit both small and larger groups of people, and the interior is beautifully designed and styled. This kind of modern/rustic/scandi/vintage style, with lots of wood and natural materials, is exactly to our taste and the house is really well equipped for a very comfortable stay. The real wow factor, however, is the main outside terrace with its wonderful pool (big enough for a few strokes and fantastic for a cooling dip) and the stunning views out across the surrounding countryside. We found it difficult to tear ourselves away, it was such a great place to relax.
The village is very peaceful, with no amenities as such, but there are bakeries in nearby St. Didier and Pernes-les-Fontaines (we cycled to collect bread and croissants each day) and plenty of restaurants and shops in the pretty villages and towns in the surrounding area. Communication with Florence was excellent—very quick and responsive with lots of really helpful information. We were lucky enough to meet her and Bruno and to hear all about their renovation of the house and adjacent 'loft' apartment—they are lovely people and show great care and attention to detail in what they provide for their guests. We would highly recommend Casaroca as a very special 'bolt-hole' in this lovely part of France—we will definitely return!”

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

What brings us the greatest joy is when travelers tell us they had stars in their eyes during their stay—that they felt completely at home, and that the house was a true cocoon where they could truly relax.

We share with them a detailed guide, created by a dear friend who was born in Provence, filled with recommendations and ideas tailored to their preferences so they can make the most of the region.

The renovation of this house was such an intense project for us—we poured so much of ourselves into it. Seeing people happy here is, without a doubt, the most wonderful reward.