Picture yourself wandering through your own Provençal farmhouse at golden hour, where centuries-old stone walls glow warm in the Mediterranean sun, and the scent of wild herbs drifts across 2.5 acres of countryside. This is Saint-Paul-en-Forêt, where authentic rural France meets the sophistication of the French Riviera, and where this substantial 199-square-meter property offers not just a vacation home, but a genuine income-generating opportunity in one of Provence's most sought-after regions. The moment you pass through the gates onto this generous plot, you enter a world where time moves differently. This traditional farmhouse complex tells the story of generations of Provençal life, with its collection of stone buildings scattered across the land like scenes from a pastoral painting. The property currently comprises two spacious 70-square-meter apartments that generate year-round rental income, an additional 80-square-meter apartment awaiting your personal vision, an authentic 80-square-meter sheepfold ready for transformation, a substantial barn, and a 120-square-meter garage offering endless possibilities. Each structure speaks to the agricultural heritage of this region while presenting a canvas for contemporary comfort. Living here means waking to mornings where mist settles in the valleys between the hills of Pays de Fayence, and evenings spent on your terrace watching the sky turn shades of rose and lavender that inspired countless artists. The property's two water wells connect you to the land's natural rhythms, while the potential to add a swimming pool means you can create your own private oasis for those long, hot Provençal summers when temperatures hover around 28-30°C and the Mediterranean lifestyle reaches its peak. Saint-Paul-en-Forêt occupies a privileged position in the Var department, where the Maritime Alps meet the coastal plains. This is the Pays de Fayence, a collection of nine perched medieval villages that have captivated visitors for centuries. Within minutes of your farmhouse, you can explore Fayence itself, renowned as one of France's premier gliding centers, where thermal currents rising from the valley create perfect conditions for soaring above the landscape. Tourrettes, Seillans, and Callian each offer their own character: cobbled streets that wind past artisan workshops, village squares where locals gather for their morning café, and weekly markets overflowing with regional produce. The lifestyle here revolves around the seasons and the land. Spring brings wildflowers carpeting the hills and asparagus appearing at market stalls. Summer means festivals in every village, outdoor concerts in ancient church squares, and long lunches under plane trees where rosé flows and conversation stretches into afternoon. Autumn transforms the landscape into gold and amber, with mushroom foraging in the forests and grape harvests in nearby vineyards. Winter, mild compared to northern Europe, offers clear, crisp days perfect for hiking the numerous trails that crisscross the region, and evenings by the fireplace in your restored stone farmhouse. The Var's culinary scene reflects its position between mountains and sea. Local restaurants serve daube provençale slow-cooked in earthenware, socca from nearby Nice, and fresh fish from Mediterranean ports just 40 minutes away. The Tuesday market in Fayence becomes a weekly ritual for property owners here, where you'll fill your basket with olive oil from local mills, goat cheese from neighboring farms, and vegetables grown in the fertile valleys. This is also truffle country, and winter months bring the prized black diamonds to market stalls and restaurant menus. For outdoor enthusiasts, this location delivers year-round opportunities. The lakes of Saint-Cassien offer swimming, kayaking, and fishing just 15 minutes away. Mountain biking trails wind through the forests, while road cyclists tackle the challenging climbs that make this region a training ground for professionals. Golf courses dot the landscape, including the prestigious Terre Blanche resort. When you crave the coast, the beaches of Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, and Cannes are all within 40 minutes, offering everything from family-friendly sandy stretches to sophisticated beach clubs. The Côte d'Azur's glamorous offerings remain easily accessible for those times when you want urban sophistication. Nice, with its baroque old town and seafront promenade, sits less than an hour away. Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco provide culture, shopping, and dining at the highest level. Yet you return each evening to the tranquility of your farmhouse, where the only sounds are cicadas and the occasional church bell from the village. This property's existing rental income provides a crucial advantage for international buyers. The two year-round apartments generate consistent cash flow that can offset ownership costs, cover maintenance, or fund the renovation of the remaining spaces. The vacation rental market in Pays de Fayence remains strong throughout the year, with visitors seeking authentic Provençal experiences away from coastal crowds. Properties offering this combination of character, space, and income potential are increasingly rare in this established market. The farmhouse requires thoughtful renovation, which presents opportunity rather than obstacle. You can restore spaces gradually, perhaps starting with one apartment for personal use while the others continue generating income. The 80-square-meter sheepfold could become an artist's studio, a guest cottage, or additional rental accommodation. The barn and garage offer conversion potential subject to planning permissions, possibly into entertainment spaces, workshops, or further living quarters. The flexibility to shape this property to your specific vision, whether as a family compound, an upscale rental business, or a creative retreat, makes it particularly appealing. French property ownership for international buyers has become increasingly straightforward, though professional guidance remains valuable. The Var department welcomes foreign investment, and numerous English-speaking legal and financial professionals serve the area. Property taxes here remain reasonable compared to coastal locations, while renovation costs benefit from skilled local artisans who understand traditional building techniques. If you plan to generate rental income, registering as a business brings tax advantages, and professional management companies can handle bookings and maintenance during your absence. Access could hardly be better for a rural property. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, serving destinations across Europe and beyond, lies 55 minutes away via the A8 motorway. Toulon-Hyères Airport offers a closer alternative for certain routes. The TGV station at Les Arcs-Draguignan connects to Paris in five hours, making weekend visits feasible even from northern Europe. Once here, a car proves essential for exploring the region, though many owners find themselves venturing out less than expected, content with the rhythms of village life and the peace of their own domain. The climate defines life in this region. Over 300 days of sunshine annually mean outdoor living dominates from April through October. Winters bring occasional rain that keeps the landscape green, but temperatures rarely drop below 10°C. The mistral wind, while occasionally fierce, clears the skies to crystalline blue and creates those luminous conditions that make Provence a photographer's paradise. This weather pattern supports the Mediterranean vegetation that characterizes the property: olive trees, lavender, rosemary, and the umbrella pines that dot the horizon. Investment perspectives for Provençal farmhouses with land remain positive. Development pressure continues in the Var as buyers seek space and authenticity, yet strict planning regulations protect the rural character that makes the region desirable. Properties offering multiple buildings and substantial land become increasingly scarce as estates are divided over generations. The combination of rental income and personal use provides financial flexibility while you build equity in a tangible asset in one of Europe's most enduring holiday destinations. Key features include: Four bedrooms across multiple buildings providing flexibility for family and guests. Three bathrooms serving the current configuration with scope to add more. Two 70-square-meter apartments generating consistent year-round rental income. Additional 80-square-meter apartment ready for restoration to your specifications. Authentic 80-square-meter stone sheepfold awaiting transformation. Substantial barn and 120-square-meter garage offering numerous possibilities. 2.5 acres of Provençal land with mature plantings and rural views. Two water wells providing independent water sources. Potential to install swimming pool subject to local regulations. Minutes from medieval villages of Pays de Fayence. 40 minutes to Mediterranean beaches and coastal amenities. Less than one hour to Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport. Traditional Provençal architecture with stone construction and period character. Location in the sought-after Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. This farmhouse represents more than a vacation home; it offers a foothold in a lifestyle that balances rural tranquility with access to one of Europe's most celebrated regions. Whether you envision long summer holidays with extended family, a creative retreat, a rental business that funds your European adventures, or the gradual restoration of a Provençal estate that becomes your retirement haven, this property provides the space and flexibility to realize those dreams. Contact Homestra today to arrange a private viewing of this exceptional farmhouse and begin your journey to owning a piece of authentic Provence.
