Water Lily House | 10-Bedroom Villa in Noves Molleges

Fourteen guests arrive at Water Lily House in Noves, Provence, and within moments the chatter stops. The view does that. Positioned on 20 acres of meticulously cultivated grounds just 2.3km from the medieval village of Noves, this 10-bedroom residence operates as a private sanctuary where the outside world feels genuinely distant, yet Saint-Rémy-de-Provence sits merely 13km away. The property anchors itself in the heart of Provence-Alpes, offering the rare combination of complete seclusion paired with proximity to some of France’s most compelling destinations.

Inside Water Lily House

Water Lily House sleeps 16 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, with accommodation distributed across the main residence and two garden pavilions. The layout invites flexible grouping—whether you’re hosting a multi-generational family gathering or coordinating separate friend groups who value both togetherness and privacy.

The ground floor orients guests toward the gardens through a sequence of interconnected spaces. A hallway with substantial fireplace welcomes arrivals, flowing into a drawing room anchored by a working fireplace, full library (English and French titles), and a piano for evening entertainment. The kitchen commands attention—a professional-grade space combining La Cornue cookware with modern conveniences including a Quooker instant boiling tap, dual dishwashers, integrated microwave, and substantial refrigeration. A circular oak dining table for eight adjoins the kitchen, while the air-conditioned lounge features an 85-inch Smart TV and open-tread staircase ascending to a mezzanine reading nook stocked with children’s literature and board games. Sonos speakers throughout the ground floor enable curated soundscapes across the entertaining spaces. All ground-floor rooms frame the gardens; the terrace with marble-topped dining table becomes the natural hub for morning coffee and evening aperitifs.

An adjoining stone outbuilding has been converted into a dedicated dining pavilion with its own Sonos system—a refined space for formal gatherings without requiring movement to the main house.

The first floor houses the primary suite: a king bedroom (180x200cm) with air-conditioning, walk-in dressing room, and en-suite bathroom featuring both freestanding bath and separate shower. Two additional king bedrooms (180x200cm each) occupy this level, one with air-conditioning; these share an en-suite bathroom with bath and separate WC. A family suite comprises a king bedroom with air-conditioning plus an interconnected children’s room with convertible twin beds (90x190cm, joinable as double) and wooden cot—ideal for parents wanting proximity without sacrifice. This suite includes its own shower bathroom. A utility room houses washing and drying equipment.

The second floor expands sleeping options through a king bedroom (180x200cm) with air-conditioning, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite bath/shower combination; a twin bedroom (90x190cm each bed); and an attic dormitory with four single beds (90x190cm) plus air-conditioning—the latter perfectly positioned for older children or younger teen contingents. A separate hallway bathroom with shower serves this floor.

Two garden pavilions extend capacity and desirability. Each features air-conditioning, en-suite shower rooms, and complete privacy: one houses a double bed (160x190cm), while the companion pavilion offers twin beds (90x200cm each, joinable as double). These garden rooms provide the coveted “separate dwelling” sensation while remaining integrated into the broader estate infrastructure.

Throughout the property, dressing gowns and premium toiletries signal the caliber of hospitality. Wi-Fi connectivity pervades the estate, supporting both business continuity and entertainment streaming.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The 20-acre canvas unfolds as a series of distinctly atmosphered garden zones, each revealing different horticultural intentions. The formal landscaped gardens have achieved international recognition—garden designers worldwide reference the spatial composition and planting schemes.

The African Garden anchors the primary swimming pool, a substantial body of water circumscribed by savanna-inspired statuary (notably, life-sized giraffe and elephant sculptures create an incongruous yet charming visual dialogue with Mediterranean plantings). The adjoining Pool House—itself continuing the African-themed design language—functions as a completely autonomous facility with its own summer kitchen (sink, full-size refrigerator-freezer, microwave, and dishwasher), built-in Weber barbecue, outdoor dining counter, dedicated bathroom, and outdoor shower with dual showerheads. This arrangement means extended pool days require no return to the main residence.

A separate plunge pool—deeper, smaller, more intimate—provides contrast and temperature variation. The terrace overlooking the formal gardens contains a generously proportioned marble dining table accommodating extended groups, while mature deciduous trees provide natural shade filtering during the afternoon heat peak.

A lavender-bordered pathway connects the African Garden to the floodlit tennis court positioned at the property’s forward edge. The court incorporates a basketball net and two inbuilt football goals, converting a single-sport venue into a multi-sport recreational hub particularly valuable for evening play during extended summer daylight.

The children’s play compound includes a sunken trampoline, sandpit, and wooden playhouses—structures thoughtfully integrated into landscape rather than dominating it. A viewing platform accessible via spiral stairs provides elevated perspective across the entire estate. The kitchen garden supports functioning chicken hutches, enabling guests to collect fresh eggs at breakfast. A substantial field remains open for informal games, picnicking, or simply expansive lawn recreation.

Amenitized outdoor living extends through badminton, croquet, and cricket sets; boules; ping-pong table; and organized board game collections for covered-terrace entertainment during the occasional Provence rain.

Two swimming pools, garden pavilions, multiple terraced dining areas, and a recreational density unusual in private villa contexts combine to create an environment where sixteen guests genuinely need never feel the constraint of shared space.

Location: Noves and the Surrounding Area

Water Lily House positions guests at the nexus of Provence’s most compelling attractions while maintaining deep countryside calm. Noves itself—a compact medieval village 2.3km away—provides essential infrastructure: supermarket, dual pharmacy options, and a bakery producing the region’s characteristic morning croissants and rustic bread loaves. The village retains authentic local character without tourism infrastructure, meaning genuine Provençal rhythms persist.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (13km) functions as the immediate cultural center, anchored by its legendary Wednesday morning market overflowing with produce, herbs, flowers, and regional specialties. The town’s artistic heritage—closely associated with Van Gogh’s residence period—draws gallery visitors and museum patrons. Pavement cafes lining the central streets provide ideal afternoon observation posts. Wine enthusiasts venture to Château Romanin (18km), where vineyard tours and tastings unfold amid Mont de Vence scenery.

The surrounding Les Alpilles landscape—dramatic limestone ridges punctuating agricultural plains—offers exceptional cycling routes and hiking trails. Eygalières (15km) encapsulates postcard-perfect Provençal village aesthetics: narrow streets, shuttered stone houses, and local restaurants serving regional cuisine.

Arles (37km) rewards day excursions with its Roman amphitheatre, extensive museum collections, and Saturday market. Avignon (17.5km) dominates through the Palais des Papes, whose fortress silhouette defines the medieval skyline; the town’s rampart walk and Rhône boat trips provide recreational variety. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (21km) distinguishes itself through working water wheels, extensive antique markets, and waterside dining reflecting Provençal leisure culture. For village enthusiasts, Gordes (32km) ranks among France’s officially designated “Plus Beaux Villages,” perched dramatically above the Luberon valley.

Les Baux-de-Provence (23km) completes the circuit—a hilltop fortress town commanding panoramic views across olive groves and agricultural lands.

For planning your stay, explore our luxury villas in Noves, browse our villas in Cassis and our full collection in France. For destination inspiration, read our Provence-Alpes travel guide.

Seasonal considerations: April through June and September through October offer optimal weather—warm days (22-26°C), cool evenings, and manageable crowd densities. July-August peak heat (30-35°C) suits heat-tolerant swimmers; spring wildflower displays are extraordinary; autumn harvest activities and wine festivals create additional appeal. Winter remains mild (8-12°C) but occasionally rainy.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Water Lily House excels for multi-generational family gatherings spanning fifteen to sixteen people where accommodation diversity proves essential. Grandparents occupy the primary suite; parents and children claim the family suite; teenagers colonize the attic dormitory; additional family branches inhabit garden pavilions—each group maintains private retreat space while sharing communal entertaining areas.

Friendship collectives planning extended reunions benefit from the bedroom distribution enabling subgroups without forced constant interaction. Couples seeking couples’ travel find ample entertainment infrastructure and restaurant-quality kitchen amenities supporting dinner parties.

Families with young children appreciate the comprehensive play infrastructure (trampoline, playhouses, sandpit), pool safety considerations, proximity to pediatric-friendly markets and pharmacies, and the availability of babysitting services arranged through the property manager. The children’s dormitory accommodates multiple siblings or cousins comfortably.

Corporate or professional retreat groups requiring both serious meeting space and recreational decompression find the dining pavilion, Sonos entertainment system, and recreational court infrastructure suitable. The property’s seclusion supports confidentiality while the entertainment density prevents monotony.

Active travelers drawn to hiking, cycling, tennis, and water sports throughout Provence will find the base camp ideal—early morning hikes into Les Alpilles, midday tennis play, afternoon market exploration, evening pool relaxation, and dinner overlooking the formal gardens.

Practical Information

Capacity: 16 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, distributed between the main residence and two garden pavilions.

Nearest major airport: Marseille Provence Airport (approximately 75km southeast, roughly 70-minute drive via A7 motorway). Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (approximately 140km east) serves as alternative for certain itineraries, though Marseille provides more direct access.

Nearest supermarket: Noves village center, 2.3km away, provides Carrefour Express and independent market vendors.

Inclusions: Fully equipped kitchen with La Cornue cooker, pool heating, Wi-Fi throughout property, Sonos entertainment system (ground floor), linen and towel provision, dressing gowns, premium toiletries, board games and children’s books, use of all recreational equipment (tennis, badminton, croquet, boules, ping-pong).

Optional services: Professional chef available for meal preparation; babysitting arranged through property management; breakfast provision arranged in advance.

Check-in/Check-out: Standard 4:00 PM check-in and 11:00 AM check-out; flexibility subject to booking calendar and property manager coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions about Water Lily House

How many guests does Water Lily House sleep?

Water Lily House sleeps 16 guests across 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. The main residence contains eight bedrooms (including the primary suite with king bed, two additional king bedrooms, and a family suite with king bed plus interconnected children’s room with twin beds and wooden cot). The second floor adds two additional bedrooms (one king, one twin) plus an attic dormitory with four single beds. Two additional garden pavilions each contain one bedroom—one with a double bed, one with convertible twin beds. This configuration accommodates couples, families with varied ages, and friend groups with flexible grouping preferences.

What is the nearest airport to Water Lily House in Noves?

Marseille Provence Airport (MPL) operates as the primary access point, situated approximately 75km southeast of Noves via the A7 motorway, requiring approximately 70 minutes driving time under standard traffic conditions. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) provides alternative access approximately 140km east, requiring approximately 140 minutes, though this routing suits certain itineraries and flight schedules. Private jet access through smaller regional airfields remains available for guests prioritizing convenience over commercial availability.

What is the best time of year to rent Water Lily House?

April through June provides exceptional conditions: daytime temperatures range 22-26°C, evenings cool sufficiently for comfortable sleeping without excessive air-conditioning, and spring wildflower displays peak throughout Les Alpilles. September and October replicate this climatic sweetspot while offering autumn harvest activities, wine festival participation, and diminishing tourist crowds in surrounding villages. July and August attract swimmers prioritizing warm water and extended daylight (temperatures 30-35°C), though midday heat intensity occasionally drives afternoon indoor retreat. Winter months (November-February) remain mild (8-12°C) but introduce rainfall risk, though this period suits guests prioritizing solitude and village authenticity over swimming-pool conditions.

Is Water Lily House suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property incorporates comprehensive family infrastructure: two swimming pools with shallow recreational zones, sunken trampoline, sandpit, wooden playhouses, and ping-pong table. The attic dormitory accommodates multiple children or teenagers comfortably; the family suite provides parental proximity without forced shared bedrooms. Babysitting services can be arranged through the property manager. The immediate region offers family-friendly markets, pediatric pharmacies in Noves village (2.3km), and restaurants welcoming children. Nearby towns like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence feature parks, age-appropriate museums, and casual dining accommodating family groups. The 20-acre estate itself provides safe, enclosed space for children’s independent play.

What is included in the rental price at Water Lily House?

The rental encompasses accommodation across all 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms; pool heating and access to both swimming pools; Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the property; linen and towel provision; dressing gowns and premium toiletries; use of all recreational equipment (tennis court, basketball net, football goals, badminton sets, croquet, boules, ping-pong table); children’s books, board games, and DVDs; and access to the children’s play compound (trampoline, playhouses, sandpit). Utilities including electricity and water are included. Optional services—professional chef availability, breakfast provision, babysitting—are arranged separately and subject to additional fees and advance scheduling.

What restaurants and shops are near Water Lily House?

Noves village (2.3km) contains a Carrefour Express supermarket, dual pharmacy locations, and a traditional bakery producing morning croissants and bread. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (13km) offers the region’s most comprehensive dining and shopping infrastructure, including the celebrated Wednesday morning market (vegetables, herbs, regional products), boutique galleries, and restaurants ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-recognized establishments. Eygalières (15km) features intimate village restaurants emphasizing local cuisine. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (21km), famous for antique markets and working water wheels, provides waterside dining venues and artisanal shops. For wine purchases, Château Romanin (18km) offers estate bottlings with tasting experiences. Larger supermarkets suitable for bulk provisioning exist in both Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Avignon (17.5km), with the latter providing more comprehensive retail infrastructure.