We could not have been happier with Beatrice’s home in Goult. We stayed for three weeks in April, and had the joy of watching spring unfold. When we arrived, the vines on the front of house were mostly bare; when we left, they were lush and green, and climbing roses covered the house next door. April is too cool for the pool, and we didn’t care about that anyway (no kids), but it’s a nice one, with plenty of loungers, a pool-shed shower and toilet, and a ping-pong table.
The bedrooms are large and nicely furnished, with comfortable beds. Some people might have a hard time with there being no toilet on the top floor, where two of the bedrooms are, but that’s life in an old European house, and we were fine with it. The upstairs sitting room is a quiet bonus space to work or read. As everyone has said, the top-floor terrace has a dreamy view and is gorgeous in the early evening. The kitchen is exceptionally well equipped, and the living room has room for everyone to get comfortable.
Because we had the luxury of three weeks here, we explored most of the notable villages of the Luberon (don't miss the lesser-known Saignon, Caseneuve, and Joucas, and Oppède-le-Vieux is amazing), and Goult is hands-down the best to "live" in. Within a four-minute walk are a first-rate boulangerie, fromagerie/glacier, butcher, presse/tabac/cafe, and small but fully stocked market, plus three upscale (but not too frou-frou) restaurants, a casual Italian place, an excellent pizzeria, and two outdoor cafes, although the famous Cafe de la Poste was mysteriously closed (it appears to have changed hands a second time), so for now everyone is having their coffee and rosé at Le Goultois next door. There’s also a tiny but delightful market on Thursdays. Most of the small villages in the Luberon don't have all those amenities, and the larger ones (Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux) have to deal with tour buses and some tourist schlock.
Le Carillon was our favorite restaurant in Goult, but we had good meals at all of them (except a so-so lunch at Le Goultois, which really isn't a restaurant). Other favorite meals in the region included: simple lunches with killer views at Cafe de France in Lacoste and Bistrot la Terrasse in Joucas; Cafe de France in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue; rustic Bistrot de Pays l’Authentic in Caseneuve (thanks to pool guy Rolland for the tip!), and L’Insolite in Lourmarin. Favorite market was in Curcuron.
In sum: Elia House is wonderful!
