Nestled within the timeless charm of Villefranche-sur-Mer—a coastal gem between Nice and Monaco—this two-story villa apartment embodies the effortless fusion of Provencal serenity and eclectic sophistication. Designed for an American-Irish couple seeking a holiday home that bridges their transatlantic tastes, the project reimagines a historic 18th-century villa into a sanctuary of relaxed luxury, where marble floors gleam under Mediterranean light and garden terraces frame panoramic sea views.

A Tapestry of History: Villefranche-sur-Mer’s Enduring Legacy

Founded in 1295 as a strategic trading port under Charles II of Anjou, Villefranche-sur-Mer (literally “Free Town by the Sea”) flourished as a tax-exempt haven for merchants, a legacy reflected in its labyrinthine old town and vibrant cultural mosaic. By the 16th century, its deep natural harbour attracted naval powers like the Dukes of Savoy, whose citadel Saint-Elme still watches over the bay. Today, this UNESCO-noted town remains a magnet for expats and creatives, drawn to its pastel-hued streets, artisan markets, and cinematic allure (Alfred Hitchcock filmed To Catch a Thief here). The apartment’s villa, perched in the hills above the old port —echoes this heritage, blending 18th-century bones with modern sensibilities .

Design Vision: Marrying Provencal Warmth with Eclectic Flair

The clients’ brief demanded a delicate balance: merging the Irish love for cosy, textured interiors with the American penchant for bold, clean lines, all rooted in Provence’s rustic elegance. The result is a space where marble floors—veined in soft greys for communal areas and warm creams in private suites—unify the design, while layered textures and curated artefacts tell a transatlantic story.

Key Features:

1. Provencal Foundation with Eclectic Accents
   The open-plan living area features exposed wooden beams and limestone walls, hallmarks of Provencal architecture, softened by linen drapery and oversized velvet sofas in earthy tones. A hand-carved Irish oak dining table anchors the space, juxtaposed with mid-century modern lighting from Barcelona—a nod to the couple’s shared love for travel.

2. Garden Integration
   The ground-floor garden access transforms the outdoor space into a Mediterranean oasis. A terracotta terrace, shaded by olive trees and lavender borders, hosts a custom stone fireplace for alfresco gatherings, while the sea-facing upper balcony offers a private retreat with daybeds and panoramic views of the bay.

3. Culinary Harmony
   The kitchen marries rustic charm with modern functionality: reclaimed oak cabinetry pairs with Carrara marble countertops, while a farmhouse sink and copper pendant lights evoke Provencal farmsteads. A hidden wine cellar, discreetly integrated into the original stone walls, caters to the clients’ passion for hosting.

4. Bedrooms: A Dialogue of Cultures
   The primary suite blends Irish hygge with coastal minimalism. The master bed draped in Irish linen overlooks the garden, while hand-painted Moroccan tiles in the en-suite bathroom introduce global flair. The guest room, inspired by New England coastal homes, features navy accents and nautical art, harmonised with French antique vanities.

5. Artisanal Details
   Eclectic artistry permeates every corner: a vintage Irish pub sign hangs above a Provencal armoire, while local ceramics from Nice’s Cours Saleya market adorn open shelving. The library nook, lined with reclaimed oak and plush Irish wool rugs, showcases a curated mix of Irish literature and Riviera-inspired art.