bah-STEED´
Bastide is the name for a manor house in Provence, the
historic region of southeast France known for lavender, sunflowers,
and a unique light prized by the Impressionists.
A prime tourist destination since Roman times, Provence got
a late-twentieth-century boost from A Year in Provence (1989)
by Peter Mayle. The book increased demand for the purchase
and rent of historic houses in the area, most of which are built
of native stone and local ceramic tiles.
A bastide is similar to a Tuscan villa in that both structures
are usually architect-designed with large rooms, high ceilings,
and lovely views. Bastides are generally large, but size varies.