Le Mas de Cinq Sous

Led by Bosc Architects and local artisans, the renovation artfully preserved the property’s history. Once a gathering spot for artists, Mas de Cinq Sous belonged to Swiss painter Georges Item for 40 years. He fell in love with the Alpilles at age 21 and remained devoted to this house where he had built his studio until his final days in 1990. The theme of the Alpilles and the sharp lines of the arid mountains that tear through the sky captivated him for almost his entire life.

Mas de Cinq Sous underwent meticulous restoration for nearly two years and reopened its doors in 2022. Ancient materials like the Beaucaire bars delicately weather the residence, while the stone flooring is an emblem of traditional architecture. Terracotta tiles grace the floors of selected rooms, preserving the rustic charm. Above the kitchen, a cathedral-style roof adds a majestic touch, while the fireplace has been carefully conserved in the purest Provençal style.

Decorator Marc Abelin skillfully designed each space at Mas de Cinq Sous, giving every room its unique story. The décor blends smooth curves with sharp lines, creating a calm, Provence-inspired atmosphere with soft colors and industrial touches like metal ceiling beams and bedside tables. Each room is further enhanced with lighting from Catellani & Smith, adding to the distinct ambiance.

Abelin’s selection of extraordinary materials—such as the majestic kitchen cosmic granite, Labradorite Lemurian Blue from Madagascar, Bleu Macauba, and blue Labrador granite from Norway—graces the interiors, enhancing the allure of Mas de Cinq Sous. Discovering an extraordinary former cutting stone at a marble workshop, the decorator’s intuition led to its transformation into a unique garden table, now the centerpiece of the garden atop two blocks of stone.