Domaine de Canaille

The history of this house, dating back to at least 1840, is fascinating. Initially a pigsty, it evolved into the summer residence of a prominent Marseille lawyer for three decades, up until 1910. After being inherited by his daughter, the house underwent another transformation, becoming a hotel from 1932 to 1956. This chapter of its history is evidenced by vintage postcards discovered on the property. Known as Hôtel du Revestel during its hotel era, it had the distinction of hosting notable figures like Virginia Woolf and Winston Churchill during their visits to the French Riviera.

The closure of the hotel was a significant turning point for the property. It passed through the hands of various entrepreneurs, with plans ranging from developing the entire Cap Canaille area to creating a thalassotherapy center. However, these projects never materialized due to a lack of approval. After standing uninhabited for 30 years, the son of the last entrepreneur inherited the property and initiated some renovations in 1986. When the current owners purchased it in 2016, the house still sported a 1980s style with traces of 1960s architecture, clearly indicating the need for a complete overhaul.

The villa’s facade, characterized by its imbalance and windows of varying sizes that obstructed the sea view, required a transformation. The goal was to modernize this structure into a tranquil haven while honoring its original essence. Led by Strasbourg architect Julien Rhinn, the renovation became a remarkable transformation journey. The south facade was metamorphosed to achieve harmonious proportions. The most striking change involved removing and replacing an octagonal tower with a massive glass window. This alteration resulted in a room with an 8-meter-high cathedral ceiling, providing stunning, unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.

The villa’s interior was thoughtfully redesigned, focusing on high-quality materials like stone and wood. Each space, from the cozy winter lounge with its fireplace and padded bench to the sunlit modern kitchen, was crafted to embody a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The decor includes an oak dining table by Benoist Pissot, petrified wood coffee tables from Design Art Nature, a sculpture by Chloé Desrousseaux, a cherished family antique piano, and antique Indonesian and Chinese furniture, adding unique character to each room. After an impressive seven months of work, the house was ready to open its doors for rental in 2018, showcasing its spectacular transformation.