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    • Lifestyle

    Humbert & Poyet design the Ultimate Provence wine estate in France

    JUN 29, 2020 | By Aneesha Bhadri
    Amman chandeliers by Mullan Lighting adorn the restaurant's ceiling. Utility bar stools from Stellar Works line the counter; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet
    Cork Steel & Concrete bar stools by Wiid Design and custom made lamps characterise the tasting room; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet
    The living spaces are inviting with Aegean blue walls, brass lighting and leather seaters; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet
    The bespoke Shade of Pale wallpaper from Omexco complements the Viti bedspread, Harmony quilt and decorative cushion fabrics Lienzo, Lizzo and Hosome, and Casamance; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet
    The bedroom offers splendid views of the surrounding vineyards; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet
    The staging of the room works around the use of perspective and reflection: large, brushed, stainless steel, winemaking tanks have been installed which are highlighted by the dark blue walls and a pathway of ceiling lights framed in solid oak; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet
    The outdoor seating area is furnished with an H&P Design sofa, Serax armchair from the Paola Navone Collection, Hollo coffee table from Petite Friture and Perennials Fabrics cushions; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

    Just 30 minutes from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime, next to the charming village of La Garde-Freinet, lies the wine estate of Ultimate Provence. Architects Christophe Poyet and Emil Humbert of Humbert & Poyet realised their client’s vision of an intimate, urban space that redefines traditional design notions of a wine estate—creating a space that is functional and aesthetic in equal measure.

    This rambling vineyard on the French Riviera—it spans 114 acres of Côtes de Provence AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) vines—features a hotel that is the final word in comfort. The combination of materials such as suar wood and tinted velvet creates a warm and dynamic atmosphere in the lobby, where the fireplace is the central focus.

    Previously tinted from Bordeaux, an Aegean blue covers the facade, aligned with an ochre roof, allowing the winery to blend harmoniously into the landscape; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

    The living spaces are inviting with Aegean blue walls and brass lighting, creating entrancing notes of contrast between the colours and materials, urban elements and atmospheric lighting. Smoked glass fixtures and aged mirrors in the back of the bar give a depth to the space, while the openings to the terrace and front lawn provide a soft and natural light.

    Carrelage de Salernes enamelled and tinted wall tiles complement the Azulej Cubo flooring from Mutina in this bathroom. Above Duravit’s DuraSquare vanity unit are the Tube wall lamp from DCW and TB600 mirror from Frost; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

    The guest rooms are expressed in warmer tones with the use of rich materials and soft natural hues. The natural fibre wallpaper is reminiscent of linen typical of Provence. Popping shades such as the raspberry on the headboards lend an upbeat look. The estate’s swimming pool sits between a lavender field and an olive grove.

    Varnished oak doors make a striking contrast against the custom green Shade of Pale wallpaper from Omexco. Orebro wall lamp from Mullan Lighting and Soleil Rond Raphia mirror from By Myself Boutique are mounted above the Buisseau console on the adjacent wall; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

    The colours used are inspired by those of Provence: Notes of sage and sepia, reminiscent of the shades of the landscape, its soil and green vineyards. “The flow of light and open perspectives plays an important role in creating spatial volumes. Large glazed metal doors with brass handles separate different areas—from the cellars to the tasting room, through to the restaurant—thus creating visual fluidity.

    The custom green Shade of Pale wallpaper from Omexco complements the Viti bedspread, Harmony quilt and decorative cushion fabrics Lienzo, Lizzo and Hosome, and Casamance; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

    The emblematic design showcases the modern spirit of the estate,” says Poyet. The use of perspective is a dominating factor in the body of the winery. Large openings have been created in the facade and in-between each space to make the spaces appear larger.

    This reading nook in a bedroom is furnished with the Zanuso Lady Chair encased in H&I Rebound Fabrics for the Manach by Pierre Frey, next to the Magosia console holding the Note lamp from House Doctor and Orebro wall lamp from Mullan Lighting mounted on top; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

    For the material palette, the duo drew inspiration from the landscapes of southern France. The combination of raw and contemporary materials such as concrete, with stately elements such as aged oak, marble, brass and leather, lend an alluring dynamic to the establishment. “The use of brass is a recurring element. It is a material we enjoy working with in all of its facets to highlight forms and to complement other materials,” says Humbert.

    A close-up view of the wine bottle at the tasting room; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

    “Placing the utmost importance on craftsmanship and detail, often supporting local craftsmanship, we like to draw inspiration from a project’s surroundings and history. We then create the space as a composition, marrying different periods to render an environment that is relevant, and we hope inspiring,” the duo conclude.

    Scroll below to see more images from Ultimate Provence

    In the restaurant, Amman chandeliers by Mullan Lighting adorn the ceiling. Utility U chairs Stellar Works flank Bastille bistro tables by Ardamez; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

     

    The combination of raw and contemporary materials such as concrete, with stately elements such as aged oak, metal and leather, lend an alluring dynamic to the establishment; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

     

    Paintings by The Poster Club next to the Aura Plus black wall lamp by Marset contrast the blue wall in the lounge. The Alban black stool by AMPM sits in the foreground next to the custom made armchair; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

     

    Overlooking a landscaped lavender field, the hotel’s terrace features Santo Tirso granite floor and seaters upholstered using Provençal inspired fabrics; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

     

    A combination of metal, enamelled stoneware and solid suar wood side tables set the tone for the space; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

     

    The staging of the room works around the use of perspective and reflection: large, brushed, stainless steel, winemaking tanks have been installed, which are highlighted by the dark blue walls and a pathway of ceiling lights framed in solid oak; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet

     

    Architects Christophe Poyet and Emil Humbert; Photographs courtesy Humbert & Poyet