In this age of disposability, we often find old buildings razed to the ground and new characterless buildings replacing them but not so in a small village in Provence. Le Brûlat is part of the commune of Le Castellet located between Toulon and Marseille and just fifteen minutes from the coast. Since September 2016 there has been a major renovation of the most significant historic building in this village.
Le Brûlat is actually the oldest hamlet in the commune Le Castellet and evidence of its existence can be found in the Middle Ages. In 1371 it was called “Les Cabanas” but it would take its current name from the large fire that burnt “Logis brûlé” at the beginning of the 18th century. The original house “le Château” was built in 1594 by Robert Frangipani who was the nephew of the archbishop of Aix at that time. Folklore even says that it was here that frangipane was created. The next owner was “Monsieur du Castellet” the Lord of the village and he transformed the large building into an Inn. As the Lord he also had the bread oven, a privilege of his standing. After 1647 the building became an Auberge, with few buildings in the village, it was a necessity as it stood on the Grand Chemin Royal, the old main road that linked Toulon to Marseille.
In 1781 the building became the horse and carriage relay point which continued until the Revolution. We know it was still the “Auberge du Brûlat” in 1819 when it was sold to M. Gardon. The bread oven was still in existence at this time. The house stays within the family until 1970 when it was bought by M. Bailleux.
The Stephens family bought this amazing run-down building in May 2016 from the Bailleux children. The aim, to bring this sad house back to life. Mas du Brulat is incredibly significant to this village, standing on the curve in the road overlooking the square and the petanque court. The thought of knocking it down and starting again was never an option but frequently mentioned by others. The owners didn’t want to keep this for themselves but rather open up for all to enjoy.
In Summer 2018 the building returned to its roots as a place to eat and stay. An Auberge of today. Mas du Brulat now offers five double ensuite bedrooms, a junior suite and two one-bedroom suites. All the rooms have ensuite bathrooms or shower rooms and are tastefully decorated.
The hotel is warm and luxurious with a homely feeling. On the first floor there is stylish guest sitting area with a beautiful green sofa to relax in after a day visiting the wonderful vineyards of the area.
The hotel hosts the L’Olivier Restaurant which has been launched with the assistance of the Chef Patron Clive Dixon. Clive and Nick March head up the kitchen and have created wonderful dishes for our diners. Clive’s career in the kitchen started at a young age with him being awarded a Michelin star at the age of 25 when he worked at The Lords of The Manor Hotel in the Cotswolds. From there he went on and headed up kitchens for 3 Michelin starred chefs Pierre Koffman and Heston Blumenthal. Nick worked alongside Clive in Bray and in summer 2018 left the Michelin starred restaurant The Sportsman to once again work alongside Clive.
For Clive the simplicity of great ingredients cooked with care, attention and good craft is what excites him about food. The feeling is that this coupled with great hospitality is the key to a perfect restaurant. The menus change regular depending on the food that is bought in the local markets. In honour of the building Monday nights is “Auberge Night” – a set four course menu for €35.
Our guests can sit on our terrace enjoying their meals while looking up at the splendid hilltop village of Le Castellet or overlooking our gardens and renovated swimming pool. The swimming pool is steeped in history being the original “Bassin” for the whole village. We are proud to have been able to transform it into a place once again used by visitors to the establishment. After eating guests are welcome to sit in the gardens or enjoy our bar with its nearly painted mural depicting the olives groves and lavender fields of the area. Clare, the Maître d, will be able to recommend wine from one of the local vineyards – the hotel aims to support local businesses.
Spring 2019 will see the conclusion of the renovations with the vaulted cellars being transformed into a wine bar for everyone. The hope is to retain the original water source that is found in the “Caves” and install a new bread oven fit for this magnificent building.
Preparations are well under way for the first Christmas and New Year at the hotel. Two and three night packages have been created for clients. These packages include evening meals in the L’Olivier Restaurant. There is also the option of one night stays. New Year’s Eve will include a magnificent champagne reception plus a five course meal.
The hotel and restaurant are open year round except for a four week break from 6 January 2019. The hotel is surrounded by the vines of Provence with over two hundred vineyards for you to visit. If you prefer things a little faster the hotel is located ten kilometres away from the famous Paul Ricard Race Circuit, home of the French Formula 1. Here you can participate in track days or take the family karting. Next door to the circuit is the massive Adventure Park where family and friends can swing in the trees. There is also the option of a day at the beach which is a twenty minute drive from the hotel. At the coast there are numerous restaurants to try or you can take a cruise along the coast and visit the Calanques of Cassis. The hotel is also closely situation to two golf courses.
After a busy day exploring the local area you’re able to return to the hotel and enjoy being looked after by the hotels attentive staff. Why not jump into the pool to cool off or sit in the landscaped gardens, soaking up some sun with a glass of wonderful Provence wine before heading to the terrace to enjoy a superb lunch or a leisurely dinner? Whether you are staying at Mas du Brulat for a day or a week, I’m confident your stay will be both an enjoyable and relaxing one!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Mas du Brulat
The original content (article & images) is owned by Su Stephens. Visit the site here for other interesting stories.
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