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The pool of Villa Bank, terrace and trees
The pool of Villa Bank, terrace and trees
1/15 PHOTOS

Arles

Villa Bank

In Arles, a futuristic 1970s architectural villa revamped into a retro-cool vacation home

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After two years of renovations, Villa Bank – envisioned by Emile Sala in the 1970s – saw its flame rekindled in 2020, along with a host of promises for vacationers who are fans of seventies architecture.

In Arles, a futuristic 1970s architectural villa revamped into a retro-cool vacation home

Make a booking request

"Thanks to the house's unique architecture and numerous openings, one feels connected to nature from the inside."

A few kilometers from the center of Arles, you can spot a white building amidst a vast wooded estate, all curves and volumes—welcome to Villa Bank! Built by architect Emile Sala, Villa Bank has been listed as a 20th-century heritage site by the Ministry of Culture since 2012. It is even rumored to be one of Emile Sala’s mature works and among his most significant productions. This avant-garde building, perfectly in harmony with its surroundings, makes a strong impression. Villa Bank—a true embodiment of 1970s modernist architecture—was completely renovated in 2018 to become the comfortable vacation home it is today, accommodating up to ten vacationers who are art and design enthusiasts.

A futuristic
family home

 

 

 

The terrace made of Brazilian rose quartz. © ArthurAPhotographie

The terrace made of Brazilian rose quartz. © ArthurAPhotographie

When Michèle and Abraham Bank enlisted Emile Sala to design their family villa, they envisioned a home with contemporary architecture that emphasized “indoor-outdoor living, soft curves and lines, and volumes that embrace the contours of the terrain,” reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations. It’s like finding a small piece of New York and the Guggenheim in Arles!

Emile Sala envisioned a home that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, allowing you to enjoy the sun while strolling between terraces, rooftops, and patios. Rectangular and square windows subtly break the villa’s curves, framing nature like artwork. The landscaped garden, completed in 2020, has become a masterpiece to admire from morning till night. With its rounded shapes and varied volumes, no two rooms are alike. Moving through the space feels effortless, offering intimate areas and spacious communal zones to enjoy throughout the day.

The main feature of the living room: the fireplace by sculptor Max Sauzé. © ArthurAPhotographie

The main feature of the living room: the fireplace by sculptor Max Sauzé. © ArthurAPhotographie

Living in tune
with the times

 

 

 

Under the impulse of the Belgian family who acquired it in 2018, Villa Bank has undergone a transformation! While the structure has remained intact, preserving its original seventies spirit, the interior has been completely renovated over two years. Sleek, contemporary off-white tones have replaced the original materials (cork, carpet) and colors (orange, brown). One room stands out: the fully orange cinema room with matching Togo sofas.

Upon seeing the numerous paintings and artworks scattered throughout the house, visitors immediately understand that the new owners are art and design enthusiasts. Around the original fireplace, crafted by sculptor Max Sauzé, you’ll find a bronze stool by designer François Champsaur and a hide rug by artist Carine Boxy. Other pieces were curated from Los Angeles, where the family lived for a time. All these artworks and items bring diversity and warmth to the expansive white spaces!

Arlesian vacation

When staying at Villa Bank, the hardest part will be choosing among all the possible activities! Enjoy an afternoon movie in the cinema room, swim in the pool, take a guided tour of downtown Arles, go on a safari in the Camargue, horseback riding, or taste local products from nearby producers. For music enthusiasts, the house has its own dedicated space: piano, guitar, and vinyl player. Calling all artists, amateur or not! The villa fosters an atmosphere conducive to creativity, so be sure to schedule some time in your vacation plans to indulge in it!

As the day winds down and the sun begins to set, it’s the perfect moment to explore the wooded park. Breathe in the scents of orange trees and magnolias, and savor the opportunity to spend a vacation in such a tranquil and beautiful place.

Stroll through the one-hectare estate. © ArthurAPhotographie

Stroll through the one-hectare estate. © ArthurAPhotographie

The 3 things

we love the most

The windows as living paintings of the garden
The circular dining room and its skylight
Iconic 1970s architecture with all modern comforts

Gallery

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Destination Arles

Transports

Arles train station

11 min

Nîmes Pont-du-Gard train station

29 min

Avignon - Provence airport

48 min

Restaurants

Páou (Mediterranean tapas)

10 min

Mesa (Bistro, seasonal cuisine)

11 min

Hôtel Présent rooftop

11 min

Inari (Franco-Vietnamese fusion cuisine)

12 min

La Cachette (sandwiches, local and seasonal cuisine)

16 min

L'Épicerie du Cloître (seasonal Mediterranean cuisine)

16 min

Shops and Craft workshops

Moustique (home decor store)

13 min

Le Sauvage - pain et fleurs (bakery)

13 min

Bigourdan - Distillery of Camargue

15 min

Le buste et l’oreille (wine bar & books shop)

16 min

Nature, Culture and Heritage

LUMA Arles

6 min

Arènes d’Arles

13 min

Lee Ufan museum

14 min

Rencontres de la photographie

16 min

Van Gogh museum

30 min

Villa Bank

13200, Arles, France

Turn it up!

Get inspired!

oeuvre « Tights In Shimotakaido »

1.

« Tights In Shimotakaido » by Daido Moriyama

Banc en fibres de verre

2.

Fiberglass bench by Walter Papst

Circular dining room: round table, chairs, pendant light

3.

Custom-made table by Kaspar Hamacher

Weeks off

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