Jolie and Pitt move into their new Provence home

MARSEILLE (AFP) — Hollywood's enigmatic power couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, are in the throes of domesticity and relocating to a chateau in France's famed Provence region, a local official told AFP.

The couple are moving their furniture into the Miraval area property, in the heart of the southeastern Var region, in time for Jolie, 32, to give birth to twins.

"They are settling in and bringing their furniture," while American owner Tom Bove moves out of Chateau Miraval, said local mayor Michael Latz.

While Latz was not able to provide any information on Jolie's due date, or confirm any rumours of an eventual marriage, he did say that the vineyard estate will likely become the couple's principal residence.

A witness confirmed having seen a moving van Friday morning on the chateau premises, which are closed off by an iron gate. Guards stood watch and dissuaded inquisitive passers-by from approaching.

The regional Var Matin newspaper recently said that the couple is not intending to buy the 17th century estate, which is surrounded by 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of forest and vineyard.

Instead, they will rent the property for three years from Bove, who is already known to the couple.

A representative of Chateau Miraval, which produces organic wine, refused to confirm this.

Latz said the couple expressed interest in learning about the grapes and wine produced by the estate -- "a very high quality organic wine".

With its pink-tiled roof and blue shutters this country estate is "one of the most beautiful places in the Var", said Latz.