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The Grounds
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The driveway through the front gate winds through a park with a 200-tree olive grove on one side and an orchard planted with various fruit and nut trees -- almond, apple, apricot, cherry, fig, pear, quince and walnut -- on the other. Around a 90-degree curve, the driveway becomes an allée lined by palm trees and oleander (laurier rose) bushes with the house's front façade looming welcomingly ahead. Several 150-year old plane trees (platanes) frame the façade, and cool the house and grounds on hot summer days.
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To the left, an ancient basin -- probably the house's lavoir in the days before washing machines and now filled with fish -- is fed by the natural spring that gives the property its name. The old basin in turn feeds a new basin situated below the stonewall separating the olive grove from the garden. It is used to water the grounds. |  |
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Beyond the old basin and a stone pedestal supporting an open urn filled with overhanging flowers stretches a lawn surrounding the 20-meter (65+ feet) swimming pool. Purple and blue rows of lavender and Russian sage run along the south side of the pool, while a small palm and a mulberry tree accent the north side. The pool's surrounding terrace accommodates sitting areas (one under a marquee), chaise longues, and parasols to shade loungers from the intense rays of the provençal sun. |  |
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All told the grounds of La Source St. Michel comprise 15,000 square meters (1.5 hectares) or 3.7 acres of space for roaming and for enjoying peace, quiet, and privacy apart from the hustle and bustle of nearby Draguignan, as well as the teeming crowds and intransigent traffic down at the coast. |  |
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