Explore a historic farmhouse in Provence with modern rustic interiors

This is no twee chateau; the large vaulted rooms are invigorated with bold, contemporary furnishings and artworks...

historic farmhouse in Provence
(Image credit: thevillacollective)

The Property

In the pretty village of Maussane-les-Alpilles – officially voted one of France's most beautiful villages – lies this idyllic French farmhouse, the creation of architect Alain Meylan and interior designer Liliana Atilova.

The architect and designer fell in love with the old farmhouse’s historic features, as well as the stunning surrounding landscape of Les Baux-de-Provence. 

Named Le Mas de Chabran, the 18th-century Provencal house may be steeped in history, but it's been skilfully renovated to retain its original character while also boasting modern, contemporary interiors. 

Aside from the modern living spaces, a contemporary black kitchen, and eight bedrooms and bathrooms, the property also comes with a home cinema, a spa with a massage room, sauna and yoga/fitness room, and for those traveling privately there's even a helipad...

Exterior

The villa sits at the foot of the Massif des Alpilles mountains, and is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards – a great source for exceptional olive oils and wines on tap.

Mature and manicured gardens wrap around the farmhouse, offering pockets of cool shade during the hot summers.

Living areas

But despite its rustic interior, inside is a modern home with breezy, casual and contemporary interiors.

This is no twee chateau; the large vaulted rooms are invigorated with bold, contemporary furnishings and artworks, while floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead out to landscaped gardens, a heated swimming pool and stables.

Living areas feature plump, linen-covered sofas and armchairs, adding to the light and fresh atmosphere. It's a refreshing change from the stuffy antiques and dusty old sofas often found in these types of farmhouse properties.

The interiors are a harmonious blend of modern and rustic interiors, combining historic features with modern furnishings, lighting and art.

A handful of statement antique pieces (like the above pictured farmhouse equipment that's now displayed as a modern sculpture), braided leathers and a neutral colour scheme blend with contemporary artworks. Many of the rooms have a subtle underlying equestrian theme, inspired by the designers' love of horses.

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Kitchen

The kitchen is thoroughly modern, featuring an all-black design with fluted details and dramatic black marble worktops and splash-backs.

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Dining room

The adjacent dining room offers more modern style by the bucket load, with statement pendant lighting.

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Bedrooms

A rustic tiled staircase leads up to the eight bedrooms (the house sleeps 16) upstairs.

Each bedroom is decorated with Pierre Frey fabrics, bespoke king-size beds, flat-screen televisions and ensuite bathrooms.

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We love the way modern furniture contrasts against the rustic, traditional floors and walls, giving it a fresh look.

Everywhere you look there's modern art and lighting.

The views from the balconies aren't bad either.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms combine rustic tiles and materials with modern bathroom fittings.

Gardens

Outside there's a terrace for al fresco dining, with a modern farmhouse-style outdoor dining table and chairs.

The swimming pool is heated, and lined with sun loungers.

Around the property there are also century-old olive trees, picturesque ponds, a vegetable garden and a private chapel.

This house is available to rent through villacollective.com from €18,000 per week

Photography / Alexis Armanet

Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.