While the Irish market is in slow-down, Irish interest in the French market isn't with Irish investors snapping up 1mplus homes, according to Emile Garcin, a French estate agency specialising in prestigious homes in Paris, Provence, Luberon and the French Riveria.

One property on its books that's guaranteed to whet the appetite and put the 'porn' back into the Irish property pages is a 600-hectare estate near Aix en Provence. It's a whopping 9m, less than what you'd pay for a home on Dublin's Ailesbury Road and here you get more than just the weather for your money.

Nestled in the heart of the protected Sainte-Victoire massif with its awe-inspiring scenery and uninterrupted views, just 50km from Marseille, the estate is truly spectacular, surrounded by fields of vineyards and pine trees.

Of the 600 hectares, 500 are enclosed and are home to hundreds of wild sheep, deer, boars, pheasants, partridges and rabbits. On the estate is not just one property, but several. A castle for starters, built in the 17th-century, converted in the 19th-century and extended just 30 years ago. While in need of complete modernisation, it is habitable and boasts 2,800sq m (30,100sq ft) of living space.

Near the castle is a hamlet composed of several outbuildings, ancient sheep folds, garages and a farm of some 400sq m (4,305sq ft) which is currently used as a housekeeper's lodgings.

A grand country house, known as a 'bastide' completes the residences. Built 30 years ago in the spirit of the Aix-enProvence 18th-century bastides, it is a gem of a property in excellent condition with all the modern conveniences that you could want. Spread out over 600sq m (6,400sq ft) accommodation features wellproportioned, high-ceilinged, light-filled rooms packed with period details and oozing elegant, effortless style.

It is not just the history and size of this estate that is spectacular. The real surprise is the four-wheel drive off-road track that weaves around most of the estate as well as a private, authorised, 1.5km racing track that's used by old-car collectors and as a training centre for major automobile sports teams. "This really is the ultimate dream home and a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire something truly special. It will appeal to someone with an interest in classic cars or those looking to get away from it all in grand style, " says agent David Stanley. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity requires deep pockets but with all that's on offer it's worth it. You won't just be buying a home here, you'll be buying into a new way of life.

The lowdown Address: Sainte-Victoire massif, Aix en Provence, France Details: 600 hectares estate that includes a 17thcentury castle, hamlet, country house and hunting grounds Highlights: The private authorised racing track Price: 9m Agent: Emile Garcin, 01-663 6363;

www. emilegarcin. com