Group Sibuet - Romantic French Hotels- Part 2

Jocelyn and Jean Louis Sibuets latest hotel venture is the Villa Marie located in the mountains right above St. Tropez, France.  The original hotel located on the property was a run down wreck when the Sibuets purchased the complex.  As always, Jean Louis was in charge of the renovations, while Jocelyn took care of the decorating and today the once run down hotel is now rated first class.  Nestled in the pine tree hills above the coast, the hotel is perfect for those who want to be near the bustling tourist area, but  crave a more private base  away from the crowds.  The hotel, located in the quaint area of Ramatuelle, overlooks the Baie de Pampelonne, and is a quick mile away from the playground of  hip Saint-Tropez.  Movie stars and socialites are flocking to the four year old Villa Marie for its quiet seclusion and very romantic atmosphere.

Among the changes made to the hotel by Jean Louis is a restaurant and a bar area.  He also created an outdoor dining terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Ocean.  A swimming pool was built, fashioned out of the rocky hillside.  The guest rooms were knocked down to their studs and rebuilt with a most unique floorplan:  the bathroom is exposed and is the first area encountered when entering the room, the bedroom area is next leading to a private balcony in most rooms.  Each guest room has unique furnishings  - no two rooms are alike.   Jocelyne, famous for her keen design sense, does not disappoint here.    The hotel is quaint, the grounds are gorgeous.  The Sibuets have planted thousands of trees to add to the lush Provencal style landscaping.  Rows of lavender line the gravel drive leading into the hotel and hydrangeas are planted throughout the property.  Cacti and other succulents are also plentiful.  The hotel boasts a spa with two log cabins built in the pine woods for more private treatment rooms.

The food is excellent, though quite expensive, as each review I read made a point of saying.  A single bottle of water is 10 euros - and this was taken from a two year old review!!!!  The staff  gets consistently rave reviews for friendliness and attentiveness.   Reviewers state that the hotel looks as great in person as on the web site, something that isn't always the case.  A four star rated hotel, this one is another hit for the Group Sibuet and it looks absolutely wonderful to me!

 

Jocelyne Sibuet, Hotel Villa Marie owner and interior designer.

 

The main building is an ochre colored stucco.  The garden paths surrounding the hotel are gravel.  The complex sits in a pine forest, though the Sibuets have planted thousands of trees of different varieties.

 

 

The same view, at dusk, where votives in lanterns light the paths.  Notice the beautiful iron balconies and the terra cotta roof.

 

At at night, fully lighted and so romantic.

 

 

Stacked limestone was used for the retaining walls, adding to the French Provencal charm.  Huge pine trees and cypress dot the landscape.

 

 

The view of the ocean from the swimming pool.

 

 

One side of the swimming pool was carved out of the rock. 

 

 

The other side is a wooden deck.

 

Outside dining overlooking the Mediterranean Ocean.

 

Another outside dining spot amid the lavender and cypress trees.  The bright stucco hotel can be seen in the background.  So Provencal!

 

A greenhouse added next to the main hotel is stocked with various succulents.

 

Fresh towels delivered to rooms next to a unique fountain in the gardens.

 

 

Jean Louis built the bar with glass walls that open to the fresh air.  Seagrass furniture with white cushions and turquoise pillows complete the decor.  This room was designed to simulate the feel of being on a boat at sea, as the bar overlooks the ocean.

 

Jean Louis decorated the bar with shells placed one by one by hand.

 

 

The dining room is also a new building added to the complex by Jean Louis.   Notice the iron dining room chairs used here.  They are very vintage and romantic in feel.

 

A corner of the dining room, overlooking the grounds. 

 

Jean Louis designed this terrace adjoining the dining room for outdoor meals.  Lanterns provide soft lighting.  The food gets excellent ratings at the hotel, the prices do not!

 

The Spa.  Besides these treatment rooms, additional rooms are located in the woods in newly built log cabins.  Again, vintage style iron furniture mixed with Louis XV chairs, lend a decidedly romantic feel to the decor. 

 

Dining on the arched terrace.  I love this outdoor furniture - it also looks vintage.  Pots of hydrangeas line the half walls.  Wisteria hangs from the roof.  The tiled floor is terra cotta.

 

A close up of the hydrangea plants that are growing throughout the property.  Notice the lovely opaque blue plates that this table is set with.  Just beautiful!

 

The arched stucco walkway leads to the lobby and main living areas of the hotel. 

 

 

The main living area is furnished with an Italian styled tete-a-tete and banquettes.  Notice the beautiful armoire doors built into the walls.  The black wood mantel is decorated with shells and sea fans.  To the right is the open aired dining area. 

 

A view of the opposite side of the open air lobby.

 

 

A vignette that Jocelyne is famous for.  Here shell filled urns sit next to coral.  I love the way the lantern is placed leaning against the wall. 

 

 

Another vignette in the lobby area.  A large shell encrusted mirror sits behind two caned French chairs. 

 

And another vignette, this time a large console is set with shells inside glass apothecary jars. 

 

More hydrangeas.  Notice the iron balconies and the lanterns on the wall behind. 

 

 

 

Each of the 42 guest rooms are decorated differently.  Here bright red and white striped fabric was used.  In most of the rooms, the bathroom walls were removed and they were left open to the sleeping area.  Additionally, balconies were added to many rooms.

 

 

In this room, an iron four poster bed was used.  Again, the bathtub is open to the bedroom, partially closed off by linen curtains.

 

This room was decorated using hydrangea inspired colors.  Though the headboard looks as if it was created out of molding nailed to the walls - a great idea to incorporate in one's own home - it's wood is actually painted the same color as the walls.

 

 

The other side of the hydrangea colored guest room.  Notice the beautifully carved crown molding. 

 

This guest room was decorated using pale blue striped fabric.  In many rooms the lamps were created out of urns.

 

More vintage inspired iron furniture used in one of the guest rooms.

 

 

This guest room has an iron four poster dressed in white linens.  A patterned fabric was used for the curtains.  An antique drop leaf desk doubles as a night stand.

 

 

Vessels sinks were used in this bath area.   The small pendant lights are adorable!

 

A deep blue color was used in this room along with purple.  An antique console doubles as a night stand in this guest room.

 

A close up of the free standing tub in the middle of this guest room.  All toilets are actually behind closed doors for privacy.  Whew!  I was worried about that!!!!

 

And one final guest room - here you can see the wonderful terra cotta tiled floors that are used in many of the rooms.  Seagrass rugs are placed underneath the beds only. 

 

 

A map showing the proximity of the Villa Marie to St. Tropez.

 

Question:  How would you feel about a guest room with the bathroom exposed as these are here?  Would it matter to you?  Would you be comfortable in such a room?  Is this something that Europeans are more acclimated to than Westerners?    I think that, for myself, I would prefer to have a closed bathtub (and a shower at that!)  Even sharing the room with just my husband, I'm not sure I'm all that ready to watch him bathe and vice versa! 

Group Sibuet - Romantic French Hotels, Part 1

                                                                                                                                                                  

Jocelyne Sibuet, author of the popular decorating tome,  "A French  Country Home, Style and Entertaining," has been called the Martha Stewart of France.  But while Martha  concentrates her efforts  around the home,  Sibuet's forte is hotels.   Both Sibuet and her husband Jean-Louis hail from families in the hospitality business, so their interest in hotels came naturally.   In business now for over twenty years, their first effort was located in the west, high in the French Alps, where they renovated and restored a neglected property.  Today, they own a number of small, boutique hotels in the ski resort town of Megeve.   About eight years ago, a chance trip to the South of France, opened their eyes to the possibilities of a new venture, and they now own two hotels in the region. It would be a dream of a lifetime to experience each one of their hotels for a week or how about for a month - hey, as long we are dreaming, let's dream big!   To start, today, we'll visit La Bastide de Marie, the couple's first foray in hosting guests in the same area that Peter Mayle immortalized in A Year in Provence.  La Bastide, with 12 guest rooms,  is located in a centuries old farmhouse in Menerbes - just 24 miles east of Avignon in the Luberon Mountains.   The property is 37 acres, much of which is comprised of the Sibuet's vineyard that produces their label Domaine de Marie.   The atmosphere of the hotel is rural to be sure, but definitely not rustic.  Jocelyne's deft touch is everywhere:  from the fresh flowers, to the lush towels, to the linen napkins,  to the votive candles - the atmosphere is heady with the scents and sights of the Provencal lifestyle.   The Sibuet's goal is to make their guests feel as if they are actually at home here, that they belong here, rather than they are just visiting.

 

Jocelyne is not formally trained as an interior designer, yet La Bastide's interiors are an integral part of its charm.  Eschewing the popular Provencal bright yellow, red and blue Pierre Deux mini prints, La Bastide de Marie is a vision in griege, that perfect shade somewhere between gray and beige with just a hint of green.  The interiors are real.  There is no faux country French here, and certainly, there is no Americanization of that style, as some other boutique hotels in the area are.  The rooms do not appear to be staged, rather they seem to be rooms you might find in a private home, an effect Jocelyne has strived hard for.   Each room is different, as is each bath.  And each was thoughtfully pulled together by Sibuet who searched the countryside looking for  furniture in the nearby antique markets.  The ever present linen, in that wonderful griege color was culled from fabric houses such as Pierre Frey,  Canovas, and local artist Edith Mezard.  The rooms each have their owns  names inspired by their fabrics:  Gris de Sauge and  Miel d'Oranger - to name a few.   Jean-Louis was in charge of the restoration of the farmhouse and the renovation took just over a year to complete.  Guests have their choice of staying in the main hotel or in one of the two outbuildings located slightly further away.  There is a spa on the property, as well as two swimming pools.  Day trips include visits into town or to nearby areas such as L'Isle sur la Sorgue, the world famous country antique market or to nearby St. Remy.  Not surprisingly, Jocelyne reports that most guests prefer to stay put and revel in the quiet, lazy days of farm life.

 

The nearby town of Menerbes - the closest neighbors to La Bastide de Marie.  Who is Marie?  The Sibuet's  daughter!

 

Jocelyne, the French Martha Stewart, and Jean-Louis on the grounds of the Bastide.

 

 

Gravel roads to the hotel are lined with tall cypress trees and lavender in the summer.  The Bastide is open spring through fall, and is closed for the winter.

 

An aerial shot of the ancient farmhouse, built of native limestone with terra cotta tile roofs.  Here you can see neatly planted rows of the vineyard that produces Domaine de Marie.

 

 

An overhead shot of the Bastide.  The  vineyard surrounds the hotel on all sides.

 

 

This large window leads to the area that was once the barn and today is the main lobby.

 

The same view,  taken in fall - isn't this gorgeous?

 

 

One of the pools, located inside the walled area next to the former barn.

 

Another shot of the romantic walled swimming pool, built to resemble a grotto.

 

The hotel has two main swimming pools.  Here, is the second one which terraces down from a fountain.

 

The hotel has its own spa, but massages can take place outside under the trees!  Nice!     

 

 

A  dining terrace overlooks  the vineyards.  The tables are set with the white and griege linen cloths that Jocelyne so loves.  Atmospheric candles are set about  in glass votives  and in lanterns.      I love the curved black iron furniture.

                                                                                                                     

 

Past the terrace, chairs   lined with scalloped matelasse, are set up on the lawn.  Notice the baskets and votives - details of Jocelyne's that make La Bastide de Marie unique and authentic.

 

 

The large lobby, or living area as it is called, was originally part of the barn.  The huge fireplace is a natural gathering place.  The upstairs library is reflected in the mirror above the mantel.

 

  

A close up of the massive stone fireplace in the lobby area.

 

 

The staircase in the lobby leads to a library.

 

 

A closer view of the stone staircase and library.   The floors and stairs are native French limestone - to die for!

 

The large window, once most likely the barn door, looks out onto the dining terrace and the countryside beyond. 

 

Lounge chairs are set up in front of the lobby's big window.  The shelves are filled with antique objet d'art and old books that Jocelyne collected for the Bastide.

 

 

  Another living area in the lobby, surrounded by antique chairs upholstered in linen.

 

Lunch is served outdoors, on shaded tables covered with white table linens and baskets of fresh herbs from the garden.  The kitchen is at the back through the limestone arch.

 

 

 

Setting the table:    Jocelyne designed the hotel uniforms with their long linen aprons, khaki skirts and crisp white shirts.   Notice the scalloped tray that hold the napkins - darling!  No detail is too small for Jocelyne.

 

The kitchen, where guests are welcome to come and take cooking lessons.

 

 

Tables are set up in the kitchen for meals.  Beautiful antique chairs surround a long, wood table.

 

The dining room.  A console with scalloped sides holds a sculpture and lit candles.  Potted rosemary substitutes for fresh flowers on the tables.

 

At night, tables are lit by candlelight in another area.

 

 

Each room in the main Bastide is decorated differently.  Here, a native boutis covers the iron canopy bed, draped with linen.  The floor is terra cotta pavers.  A wainscot is painted a rich persimmon. 

 

The other side of the bedroom, showing a beautiful French settee sitting under the oval mirror.

 

 

This bathroom has two large vessel sinks.  No cabinet doors - the griege linen covers the pipes!

 

 

This suite has an iron canopy bed, with linen curtains.  A writing desk steps in for a  night table.

 

The other side of the suite, showing it's own fireplace and slipcovered sofa with seagrass rug - my favorites!

 

 

The suite's bathroom is set behind paneled walls - open at the ceiling.  Linen curtains substitute for doors.

 

This room is decorated with a toile inserted wood headboard.  Linen curtains hang from the bed's corona.  The bath is behind the half wall to the left.

 

 

A vignette in one of the guest rooms.

 

This bathroom is below, reached by a set of winding limestone stairs - how romantic!  To let in light, a small window was carved out of the stone next to the tub.

 

Red toile and white and griege linen decorates this room.

 

An antique mirror and claw foot tub are the highlights of this bath.  The wainscot is faux marble.

 

 

This chicly uniformed employee carries a basket of towels to the Bastide's outlying building - the private guest house located off the property.

 

 

The two outbuildings, pictured above, further away from the main Bastide are available for let - for those who desire even more privacy than the 12 room main hotel provides!

 

 

The staff, bring linens to the outbuildings in authentic french wicker baskets.

 

Gorgeous lavender lines the walkway to the private outbuildings.  Just beautiful!!

 

 

The outbuildings come with their own pool.  Ahhhhh.

 

 

The main living area of one of the outbuildings.  Each of the two outbuildings holds 10 guests.  The limestone stairs lead to guest rooms.

 

A dining room  in one of the outbuildings.   Guests who stay here  may have their meals delivered to their room, or they may join the other guests in the main Bastide.  Each outbuilding has it's own kitchen.   At the hotel, all meals are included in the room price, except for lunch. 

 

 

This living area has bookcases painted gray - here all the books have white or cream paper covers.  I love that look!

 

One of the bedrooms in the outbuilding. 

 

Another bedroom - with a view towards the bathroom.

 

One the bathrooms in the outbuildings.

 

 

The map showing the towns where  Group Sibuet has hotels.  La Bastide de Marie is located in Menerbes, in the south.

 

I hope you've enjoyed our virtual visit to the South of France!  Hopefully, one day, we can all go in person.  Be sure to visit the web site for La Bastide de Marie here.   And to order Jocelyne Sibuet's book, go here.