There really is only one thing to do when you set your heart on a dream holiday home in the south of France and your bank refuses to lend you the money. Go to the Casino in Monaco and throw whatever cash you can beg, borrow or steal on the red or the black, close your eyes and pray. And this is exactly what the original lady owner of this stunning 17th century property did way back in 1949.

Not normally the gambling type the lady reluctantly accompanied a friend to Monaco but in a wonderful twist of luck her paltry ‘investment' tuned into a staggering £500 on the roulette table. Ironically, months before this fateful night, she had met a friendly Englishman in a bar in Haut-de-Cagnes and he had brought her to see a delightful but crumbling 17th century Pied á Pierre with no water and no road access in the then tiny hamlet of Le Rouret. This picturesque house had been just a dream but she now had enough money to buy the lovely old property. So she was understandably horrified when she was told that she couldn't buy it because she was British.

Devastated the lady returned to England, via Paris, sadly clutching her newly-won bundle of booty. But en route, while drowning her sorrows in a Brasserie, she met a crafty old Parisian lawyer who had an idea. He suggested he open a French company and have the company buy the property for her. And that's exactly what she did.

Today this stunning Mas has been completely renovated and to the highest standard; with all modern comforts whilst still retaining its original charm and authentic features. There are five bedrooms, four bathrooms (3 en-suite), 2 reception rooms, a TV den and a fabulous designer kitchen. Beamed ceilings, stone walls, wooden doors, large original fireplaces and all set within a mature olive grove of over 2 acres with a south-facing infinity pool, covered outdoor kitchen and traditional BBQ.

It makes me want to have a flutter in Monaco myself as the daughter of this legendary lady has her talented renovation-eye on another property nearby. And this beautiful Mas is for sale for a little more than £500 but is still a bargain at €1,650,000.