Holiday home, Maison Sebastien.

Joe
A beautiful house in stunning location.
The saltwater pool, dinners and lunches on the terrace overlooking the hills, valleys and wildlife could be enjoyed even if you did nothing but stay in the house. The attentiveness and help given by the home’s guardian was perfect and made the experience incredibly easy. Despite the temptation to stay in the house for a week, we made many trips to surrounding areas. We and our families really enjoyed the nearby horse-riding (a proper hack!), lake trips (the Italian restaurant at Lac des Vannades being a favorite restaurant, a tour of the observatory with nighttime stargazing and walks into the village. Friday night in St Michel is not to be missed too - the whole village was out at the Tabac and restaurants, with plenty of singing and dancing in the streets. Nearby Forcalquier was buzzing with art and the best ice cream we’ve ever had in our lives (the gelateria, Flazzi) I’d also really recommend a trip to Banon - with a remarkable bookstore that has to be seen to be believed - and cheese shops that we did our best to empty of produce

Lee
Our stay at Maison Sebastián in October 2025 was exceptional
Our stay at Maison Sebastián in October 2025 was exceptional, with glorious late-summer weather setting the tone. Before arrival, Kate, the owner, sent a friendly and informative email introducing herself and providing detailed guidance about the property. Her suggestion to contact François, the property’s caretaker, was invaluable. He met us in the village and guided us to the secluded house—a short, scenic drive that revealed its tranquil and picturesque location.
From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the sweeping valley views and endless forests below. The grounds and the house are meticulously maintained. François warmly welcomed us and gave a thorough tour, starting with the charming, shaded entrance. Inside, the open-plan kitchen and dining area—with its cozy fireplace—immediately made us feel at home. The kitchen was well equipped, and a thoughtful welcome hamper of local produce awaited us. Inspired by the beautiful setting, I used a Rick Stein cookbook I found there to prepare a Provençal-style roast chicken—a meal my husband now insists becomes a regular at home.
Each morning, we enjoyed breakfast on the terrace overlooking the landscape, a perfect start to the day. Evenings were spent by the fire in the kitchen’s sitting area, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and the abundance of prepared firewood. The super king-sized bed ensured a restful night, and the shower offered flawless water pressure and temperature—attention to detail that made a difference.
The pool, set against the panoramic backdrop, deserves a full 10/10. Every aspect of the property reflects quality, care, and comfort. For stargazing enthusiasts, the clear night skies and absence of light pollution make this retreat truly magical.
We left deeply impressed and in love with this property—its peaceful seclusion, impeccable maintenance, and romantic charm make it a perfect stay.

We loved our stay at Maison Sebastien
We loved our stay at Maison Sebastien. It is very spacious, with a wonderful terrace and uninterrupted views of the Luberon countryside. It was the perfect place to bring our family together. We revelled in the peaceful atmosphere and the luxurious sense of being away from everything except nature. One of my daughters discovered a new love of bird watching as she came across so many types chirruping away from dawn until dusk. The kitchen is very well equipped and the communal areas both inside and out are so comfortable and welcoming. The pool was an absolute highlight and is a great size, and provided a fantastic place to swim, play improvised volleyball and sun bathe. The bedrooms are all simply designed in a classic Provencal style and the heavy wooden shutters provided the best way to keep rooms cool in the blistering June heat. The village of St Michel l�Observatoire is totally charming and you definitely get the feeling of being well off the tourist trail and in true rural France. The bakery was sublime and tempting everyday, and we had excellent meals when we ventured out to the Auberge La Coupole in the middle of the village. The road to the house is challenging but we got used to - however I would almost certainly opt for a 4-wheel drive if we visit again as we were nervous about tyres on our rental car back (we did also get the car washed which I think really helped so didn't look like we had gone off road!). I knew that the house had been a complete success with all our family as we all discussed plans for when we could return on our last night while gazing at the spectacular starry night. Coming back home has not been easy but the charm of Maison Sebastien and its stunning location will stay long in the memory. Olivers Travels were very easy and efficient to deal with when booking initially, and the owner Kate went above and beyond with information and answering numerous questions both ahead and during our stay so we always felt very well taken care of - not to mention the wonderful caretaker Francois who was so helpful and introduced us to the house.

Jeanne
Exceptional. Property in an amazing location.

Sally
We had a wonderful springtime week
We had a wonderful springtime week at La Maison Sebastian, full of relaxation and beautiful experiences in the surrounding countryside. It was a privilege to be welcomed to this convivial home which is clearly loved by its owners and guests alike. Everything was clean, organized, and thoughtfully done. The setting lends itself to slowing down — taking a meandering walk through the peaceful woods all around, relishing an evening aépro on the terrace, or sparking memorable conversations by the fire.
We are thankful to the house guardien Francois and housekeeper Sandrine for their impeccable work. The hosts also went the extra mile for our comfort, first by ensuring we ate well during a bank holiday when many markets closed and then by returning via post a jacket I had left behind.
My grandmother used to say if you forgot an item somewhere, it means your heart wants to return. In the case of San Sebastien, I know that is true.
Kevin

John
Spectacular.
We have rented vacation villas for most of our married life, that is for almost fifty years. That should make us experienced rentors. In the mean time, our family has grown and, if we get them all together, we are a party of twelve. This is our first year in Maison Sebastien, just outside St. Michel l’Obeservatoire on the outskirts of the Luberon and by a long stretch it is the most suitable villa that we have ever rented. The setting of the house is spectacular and very private. It has been modernised in a most tasteful way, fitting the ancient building and the rural Provençal environment. We found the house spotlessly clean, and the caretaker, who lives on the grounds could not have been more helpful. He also takes care daily of the super swimming pool and is ready with advice and information. He has a wealth of knowledge about the house, its history and the area.
The kitchen equipment is first class and there is enough of everything to accommodate a dozen people without having to wash dishes or glasses in the middle of a three course meal.
The house reflects the love and good taste that has gone in to the renovation and decoration. All of our family have enjoyed it to the fullest and we already long to be back.

Bill
We love this place.
Dine on the terrace in a cool summer breeze, or inside by the fire in frosty December, swim a few laps in the pool then dry off in the sun, stroll in the herb-scented meadows, walk to the village in the morning for coffee and pastry, return with warm bread, local cheeses and just-picked veg, drink the local wines, stare up into the clearest night sky of almost anywhere in Europe, sleep in the gorgeously comfortable beds, wake to birdsong: if you have the luck to stay once at Sebastien you will always want to return.

Christian
We have stayed a few times at Maison Sebastien and always had a wonderful time there. The setting is beautiful, the house is spectacular and has been renovated and furnished with supreme taste and sensitivity, without sacrificing luxury and comfort. Lunches on the terrace, swimming in the spectacular pool, walking in the surrounding countryside - all make for a supremely relaxing and restorative holiday. Highly recommended.

Hugh
All good, thank you!

James C.
Maison Sebastien is a wonderful place for a holiday: a cool stone Bastide, with magnificent views over forested hills, so peaceful and restful, stylishly decorated and homely it was an absolute pleasure to spend time in and around the house; as well as exploring hilltop villages, markets, wineries and excellent restaurants within manageable driving distance. The pool was refreshing and alluring too. In addition, we appreciated all the effort made to make the property sustainable with solar power and careful use of water. The owners and the Guardien, Francois, were welcoming and helpful at all times which made it a stress free stay. Our extended family loved it and would highly recommend this property.

Susie
Home from home
The long Labour of love has been rewarded...
Each turn in the house is a scene but never in a pretentious way... it’s as if it is how the Maison wants to be...
I slept downstairs and despite the low ceiling, the room made me feel so content... I suspect there might be some good spirits who are so pleased with the house... nothing jarred... nothing seemed out of place ..
You may think I’m over doing this but truly the Maison delighted us... it had a comfort too that wasn’t precious... home from home but with the delight of France and views to die for... Baby Holl stole the show but San Sebastien came a close second.

Barbara
Maison Sebastien is just beautiful. We had three generations of family to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary and we have made such happy memories there. We booked during lockdown and had anticipated our stay for so long, but it lived up to every wish and more. From our first sight of the house we loved it. It was perfect, isolated but near enough to the village so we could enjoy eating out. The countryside around is perfect for cycling and walking. It is quirky for all the right reasons, corners to sit on your own and room to be together when you want. The long table on the veranda was our place to come together and linger over leisurely breakfasts and tasty suppers. The views are amazing and they are enjoyed throughout the house. The house is furnished with character and comfort, it has everything you could need, and we all felt relaxed and happy there. The bedrooms and bathrooms are quite lovely, the beds comfy with quality bedding and big soft towels. Our grandchildren particularly enjoyed ‘their’ top floor! The pool is big and beautiful, we all spent a lot of time in it. We had a private chef for one night and he was impressed with the kitchen facilities. The caretaker Monsieur Devun, was unobtrusive but was there if we wanted anything. Our three generations (aged 69 to 8 years) would all highly recommend Maison Sebastien, and we hope to be back one day.

Isabelle
We are in love. Collectively. This is a wonderful enchanted house and grounds. We feel very much at home and very comfortable here. Thank you very much for having us here. Sent with love and joy.

Tony and Deborah
Wonderful holiday. On behalf of my family, thank you for a wonderful holiday. Maison Sebastien is a very special house set in a unique location.
It was also very well equipped, with everything a large family could wish for.
Francois was ever helpful and kind. We learned a lot about the area, and places to visit. His recommendations about markets all turned about to be correct.
We had a perfect break and unanimously loved the house.

Dean
Couldn't ask for more!
Great secluded location and amazing views. Pool and beautiful large home was well stocked for everything you need in the kitchen.

Chris D
Amazing holiday. My wife and I stayed in Maison Sebastien with a group of our family and friends at the start of September 2018. It's a gorgeous Provincial setting with amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The villa is beautifully renovated with tasteful decor and comfortable rooms. The kitchen is well equipped and allowed us to easily cook for a group of about a dozen. It's a very private and quiet setting, and we really loved the pool. Kate and Francois were both exceptionally helpful, friendly, informative and accommodating.
We highly recommend this as a holiday destination!

Emi
A dreamy taste of Provence.
Our stay at Maison Sebastien was a highlight of our trip. It is secluded on a little dirt road outside a small town in Provence, which is perfect for feeling like a true escape into the French countryside. Everything in this house is done so right from the exterior, interior, decor, furniture, linens, beautiful setting, and more. No detail is missed. It's the ideal place for an escape with loved ones.

Jane
Sublime. We had a great family week at Maision Sebastien, in August. The house is really beautiful and has been converted with great taste in sympathy with its ancient buildings and history. The house is generously equipped and we lacked for nothing. The children especially enjoyed the pool (no chlorine so it was lovely) and also the wide selection of DVDs!
The terrace is a delightful and cool place to eat, with views over the valley towards San Michel - which is also a great place to eat. Francois who looks after the house and the pool was charming and could not have been more helpful!

John
A special week. We came all the way from China to South France looking for a specially place to have our wedding. Fortunately I found Kate's house --- Maison Sebastien as our wedding venues. I am a taveler, traveling around the world every year, and I had communicated with many house owner, and Kate is simply the nicest one. She gave us so many great suggestions and guidelines about the area. The restaurants she recommend are great. She also prepared everything we need for a wedding party. She did not have an outside loudspeaker, and she purchased a great one for us specifically. I truly appreciate all the things she did for assisting us to run this wedding smoothly. We also have a great gardener - -Franswall (I wish i could spell his name correctly). He is very very nice and responsible person. Last but not least, the house is amazing. Very privacy, very quiet. Big swimming pool with great mountain view. The best thing about the house is the stars during the night. That is the starry sky I have ever seen in my life. Everyone with me loves madly. Thank you to allow us having a so special week in Maison Sebastien. I miss it so much.

David W.
Oh how we loved your house! Our daughter, two sons and their three spouses, plus seven grandchildren from three to sixteen all voted it "best yet"! And Francois was wonderful and charming. Isabol speaks excellent French so they got on well.

Alena H.
We had a fantastic time at Maison Sebastien. It was beautiful. The caretaker on site was excellent, so kind and helpful.Overall a great holiday. Kind Regards

Hanna Lilja J.
An exceptionally beautiful maison. We spent a week in Maison Sebastien with 2 other families; there were 6 adults and 7 children in total and we all had a fantastic time without exception. The house is beautifully renovated and you can tell the owners have put a lot of thought and hard work into making the house as well equipped and comfortable as possible. There was plenty of space for everyone especially the kids. The bedrooms were very comfortable each with its own nicely decorated bathroom and necessary amenities. The kitchen was exceptionally well equipped, which was great since we enjoyed cooking at the house and eating outside on the lovely terrace. The view was amazing and we couldn´t get enough of the beautiful outside area of the house. The pool area was also very nice and well used with the children.Francois, the friendly housekeeper, lives on the property and was there to assist if we needed anything. The house is about an hour drive from many small villages in Provence like Gordes, Lourmarin, Bonvieux and more. I would highly recommend the property to anyone who wants to enjoy some peace and tranquility in an exceptionally beautiful maison with the opportunity to explore the beautiful nearby villages of Provence. I sincerely hope I will return to Maison Sebastien one day.

Lara B.
We visited Maison Sebastien with our 2.5 year old toddler and other friends in early April 2016. The house is, of course, stunning, but more impressive is the attention to detail which makes this a delightfully comfortable place to stay. The kitchen has everything you need to create memorable meals from the local produce. The bedrooms have comfortable beds with good linen. The bathrooms are stylish and have good water pressure - which may seem odd to mention, but having stayed in places where the shower delivers a lukewarm dribble, I can vouch for its importance! We were too early for the pool to be open but it's obvious that the pool terrace is a wonderful place on a warm Summer's day. The whole house is tasteful, cool and beautiful. But more importantly, it works - as a home from home and as a wonderfully stylish place to stay. We'll be back.

Alex L.
We’ve just returned from our fourth trip to Maison Sebastien, this time in early April 2016. The trees just bursting into blossom, spring flowers and green fields as far as the eye can see - glorious. Chilly weather so only a couple of al fresco lunches on the terrace this time, and wonderfully cozy inside with the wood-burning stove going great guns of an evening. The house is just fantastic - so comfortable, beautifully appointed with every mod con you could desire. François, the guardian, was as helpful and accommodating as ever, and has made a friend for life in our friends’ toddler by driving him around on one of the tractors. We’re only sorry it was a bit too early in the year for us to experience the new swimming pool - oh well, we’ll just have to come back again!