What is the name of your accommodation? 

Le Mas Couvaloup

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

My name is Jet, I work as an interior designer but was originally trained as a theater maker. The theatrical side is still there. Never a dull moment! I live with Rob, and together we have seven children, one of whom still lives at home. We also have two cheerful Dutch Smoushonden with whom we go on long walks, also in France. We enjoy visiting museums, going to concerts, and every year we attend the dance festival in the Roman open-air theater in Vaison-la-Romaine. 

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

An old house in an authentic setting in Provence had been a long-time dream.

In 2017, I started searching in earnest. After three years of viewings and endless searching on various websites, I had almost given up hope. One day, I came across a photo of the Mas on one of the websites, with blooming lavender in front of it. I knew instantly: this is the one! Rob and I jumped in the car, drove there, and made an offer that same day. The house turned out to be tied up in bankruptcy proceedings with all sorts of complications, so it took several nerve-racking months before I was certain the house was truly ours. When you look at the stars in the evening, directly south (right across from the house) is my zodiac sign, Scorpio—so it really was meant to be.

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

The Mediterranean lifestyle—as designer John Stefanides says—is the perfect mix of "romanticism, sensuality and practicality." It was a joy to finally apply this to our own home in Provence. Still, I was very restrained when it came to furnishing and decorating. The house has a clear soul, a modest and gentle character. The Mas has received a completely new roof and the bathrooms have been updated. Not everything has to be done at once; there are still plans for the garden and a pool house. For me, furnishing a home is about both comfort and the beauty of simplicity. So no excess, but beautiful and natural materials. The highest quality linen on the beds and handmade ceramic tableware. The color palette is very calm, with lots of white, sand, and gray-green.

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?

The house is located in a nature reserve. Silence is actually the ultimate luxury. Hearing nothing but birds, while still being only five minutes from a village and ten minutes from a small and charming town. My favorite spot is the stone bench at the back of the garden. There I have my espresso in the morning and a glass of rosé in the evening, overlooking the lavender field.

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

The atmosphere is somewhat monastic, very calm and simple. The Mediterranean "slow living" style and the connection with the landscape and culture are clearly visible.

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

We deliberately chose not to install air conditioning. People sometimes ask about it, but we believe that the old-fashioned way of living with the sunlight works best. That’s how it’s been done in this house for centuries. The method? Keep the shutters half closed during the day, then open everything up completely in the evening. The house is old and has thick stone walls. It was traditionally built with the back facing north, and it’s also protected from the Mistral by a hill at its back. And at 380 meters altitude, it always cools down just enough at night. People in the past knew very well where and how to build, and I think it’s beautiful to preserve that knowledge.

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

I noticed that when people saw a photo of the house, they often had a very strong reaction, something like: "ooooooh, what a lovely house." I hope our guests will feel as though they are staying in their own Provençal farmhouse for a while.

Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

The nicest compliment came from an American guest who said that he had traveled extensively and been everywhere, but that he had never stayed in such a beautiful house. And that isn’t because of the furnishings, of course—it’s the soul of the place.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay?

I hope they feel reconnected with nature, with the rhythm of the seasons, and that they leave feeling calm and uplifted.

Do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

The walk through the Touroulenc river is fantastic on a hot day. You walk through the water between rock cliffs. Very zen, and only ten minutes away. Be sure to visit the Roman theater and the excavations in Vaison as well. In each of the 19 villages in the area, there’s a market on a given day—always a must. For antique lovers, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is highly recommended.