The architecture of Provence has its roots in the simple stone farm cottage,ย and its fulfillment in the elegant stone villas calledย bastides. These houses can verge on the palatial, with large, airy rooms, yet retain a rustic simplicity with native stone and terracotta tile, exposed brick, patinated wood floors and ceiling beams, even distressed finishes. Provenรงal style gets it both ways: Look for cool pastels and neutral color palettes for bedrooms, as refuge from the heat of the day, and honey-hued living spaces warmed by roaring hearths (and shuttered windows) against the chill winds of the Mistral. The exquisite homes in thisย Luxury Definedย collection capture the spirit of Provence. From an 18th-century bastide in the historic heart of the region to actor Jim Belushiโs Mediterranean-style manor, farther afield in the exclusive L.A. enclave of Brentwood, Provenรงal style means elegant, easy living.
Villa Burlingame
Los Angeles, California
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The estate of celebrated actor, comedian, and musicianย Jim Belushi,ย Villa Burlingameย is set behind gates on a rare 1.3-acre double lot. The stunning Provenรงal-inspired estate was built in 2010, a collaboration by renowned architect Oscar Shamamian and designer Michael Smith. A cobblestone driveway and motor court form a grand introduction to the manor house, exquisitely adorned with finishes and materials sourced from around the world: reclaimed roof tile from Venezuela, fireplace mantles and terracotta tile floors from Italy, and glazed bathroom tiles from Morocco. There are ample accommodations for guests with 6 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, including a detached guest house and pool house. Serene gardens with a pool, Jacuzzi and cold plunge, walking paths, two outdoor fireplaces, and a dining terrace under a vine-draped pergola invite relaxation and elegant entertaining.
House Ventabren
Bouches du Rhone, France
.jpg?t=1507925119575&width=1024&name=France%20(1).jpg "This 18th-century bastide just outside Aix-en-Provence captures the spirit and beauty of the region.")
This 18th-century bastideย is the quintessential Provenรงal home in both its architecture and settingโminutes from Aix-en-Provenceโs historic Old Town, home to leafy boulevards, grand Baroque squares, and the birthplace of Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. The house and the grounds (which include a swimming pool, guest house, and several outbuildings) have been restored and renovated for the 21st century. The interiors exude southern French elegance with rich wood floors and vaulted ceilings. There are several reception rooms, a conservatory, country kitchen, and six bedroom suites. Shuttered French doors open to beautiful stone terraces with fountains and reflecting pools and fragrant landscaped gardens with century-old plane trees.
Ker Arvor
Newport, Rhode Island
.jpg?t=1507925119575&width=1024&name=Newport-Rhode-Island(1).jpg "This historic Newport, Rhode Island, landmark has all the signature style notes of Provence with grand Louis XVI architectural flourishes.")
Ker Arvorย (French Breton forย seaside) is aย Newportย landmark off famed Ocean Drive. Built in 1933 by the New York architectural firm of Russell & Clinton, this imposing nine-acre estate was inspired by Pavillon de la Lanterne, an 18th-century hunting lodge at the Palace of Versailles. The 2.5-story house has a unique U-shaped design with a white-stucco faรงade under a quintessentially French mansard roof. Cobblestone paving adorns the base of the house in the spirit of Louis XVI architecture. The property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been impeccably restored: The wallcoverings were recreated from the originals, while many of the authentic 18th-century finishes, including the floors, were imported from France.ย Ker Arvorโs grounds heighten the splendor with a pool terrace, sweeping lawns, and award-winning formal gardens.
French Country Estate
Charlotte, North Carolina
.jpg?t=1507925119575&width=1024&name=Charlotte%20North%20Carolina%20Provencal%20(1).jpg "Graced with an authentic charm rooted in the rural French countryside, this artisan-designed estate exudes Old World elegance.")
Inspired by the French country style,ย this enchanting manor houseย is ensconced amid five manicured and wooded acres in the leafyย Charlotteย suburb of Greenwood. The house exhibits beautiful artisanal details, from the hand-laid cobblestone driveway to the ivy-clad, weathered stone faรงade and traditional shuttered French windows. The impeccable craftsmanship continues inside with hand-painted frescos, hand-carved masonry, beamed ceilings, and rustic stone and wood floors. The public spaces include a great room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, while private quarters feature an elevated ownerโs retreat which opens to a private sun terrace overlooking verdant gardens and a beautiful free-form pool. Other luxurious appointments include a stone wine cellar, billiards room, and separate carriage house.
Villa Mareza
Attica, Greece
.jpg?t=1507925119575&width=1024&name=Athens-Greece(3).jpg "Perched on a hill in the Athenian countryside, Villa Mareza is a grand provenรงal-style stone villa surrounded by nearly nine acres of grounds with neoclassical gardens and resort-worthy features.")
Inspired by the bastides of Provence,ย this grand hilltop villaย has commanding views of theย surrounding countryside, yet is only a half-hour from central Athens.ย The elaborate exposed stone structure stands an impressive 14,000 square feet with palatial reception and dining areas with antique fireplaces; large sash windows and French doors framed by weathered pastel-blue shutters infuse each room with sunlight. There are eight en suite bedrooms, a professionally equipped kitchen with fireplace, a gym, sauna, and six-car garage. A separate gardenerโs cottage includes two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. The 8.65-acre grounds are spectacular: a chapel, entertaining terraces, swimming pool, tennis court, stables, riding arena, and magnificent neoclassical gardens styled after theย Jardins Remarquablesย of French chรขteaux.