Design Destination: Domaine des Andeols, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, France

In 2003, Olivier and Patrizia Massart realized their dream of transforming his childhood home in the heart of the Luberon into a luxury hotel and showcase for their mutual love of art and design. Today, the sprawling estate covers 59 acres of land, and the 10 stone farm buildings have been lovingly updated into designer guest houses, creating a spectacular destination for designer travel in France.

The guest houses boast artwork from the Massart’s extensive personal collection, designer furnishings and fixtures, and all the luxury of a 5-star hotel, while retaining the charm of the original construction.

The guest houses boast artwork from the Massart’s extensive personal collection, designer furnishings and fixtures, and all the luxury of a 5-star hotel, while retaining the charm of the original construction. Maison des amoureux contrasts concrete walls with a hot color palette, featuring Bertoia’s diamond chairs in bright red and David Bailey photographs on the walls. Maison du voyageur draws inspiration from Africa and highlights unfinished materials, colorful patterns, and over-scaled accessories, as well as its own swimming pool. And Maison du toujours is cool and sophisticated, with sleek van der Rohe furnishings and art that celebrates the female form. Lovers of art and design will find treasures in every house on the estate.

The dining service at Domaine des Andeols takes full advantage of the flavors and seasons of Provence, and many of the culinary ingredients are grown on the estate itself. The perfumed lavender fields and olive orchards do more than provide scenery, and the hotel recycles compost for use in the organic vegetable gardens. Guests are invited to lunch beneath the canopy of an ancient plane tree on the grounds, or, for a more whimsical experience, to enjoy tree top dining 7 meters above the ground. The Massarts couldn’t resist the childhood dream of having a tree house, and enlisted architect Alain Laurens to design an elevated dining room that would be comfortable, intimate, and allow a greater connection with nature.

Guests can also enjoy the tennis court, swimming pool, horseback riding, and spa treatments to make the most of their stay. And Domaine des Andeols is situated within easy biking distance of breathtaking landscapes and charming medieval towns.

When it comes time to explore further afield, allow the team at the hotel to facilitate one of their spectacular day trips for you. Travel by limousine to the sea, or enjoy a truly French designer travel experience by following in the footsteps of Van Gogh or Cezanne for art-centered activities that reveal the lives and work of the masters.

Despite the attention to detail and elegance, for the Massarts, Domaine des Andeols remains a home. Patrizia says “It’s about feeling good, relaxed, about being comfortable among family.” Their success makes the estate a truly special place for visitors from around the world to rest, regroup, and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.