The Provence Style

On Dirait le Sud

At La Bastide de Marie, the spirit, says Jocelyne Sibuet, is that people who open their shutters see nature and that they find in the rooms the codes dear to Provence, with these stone floors from Ménerbes, these "boutis" as paintings... This XVIIIth century spirit of the south crosses time well, the house unfolds a history of Provence with the old pieces, the work on the raw materials, the monochrome palettes, painted beams, light furniture and dense colours of the carpets and armchairs in "Nîmes blue".

In the name of the Stone!

In Ménerbes, in the heart of the Luberon, the Bastide de Marie, an elegant 18th century residence restored in the tradition of the Provençal farmhouse, reveals the passion and know-how that have made Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet exceptional and special.

In a concern for authenticity, the renovation is in keeping with the heritage vision and the requirements of the hotel project. Thus, unlike Gordes, where the construction practice favours dry stone, the tradition on this side of the Luberon is that of masonry, often covered with lime plaster. At La Bastide, its limited use has allowed the beauty of the exposed stones to be preserved. Extracted from quarries and cut, Caberan limestone is revealed in many architectural details. It magnifies the corners of buildings, door frames, columns, vaults, fireplaces and floors. Soft and warm in colour, with a fine, silky grain, it has a beautiful patina and shines beautifully, giving a unique touch to every corner of the house. Soft, easy to work and age, it is a true gift of nature.

Outside, one can also appreciate the work of the calades, beautifully designed with alternating pebbles and vine stones. The mineral is omnipresent, even during bathing time. Protected by a stone rampart, the main swimming pool follows the shape of the building, dressing the surrounding walls with beautiful draped reflections. In the garden, the two original fish ponds have been preserved and rehabilitated, offering a double-level pool, set in the greenery.

The Provence Style Panoply

To echo the renovation work, Jocelyne Sibuet has designed a decoration marked by softness and simplicity, in keeping with the spirit of Provence. Linen sails, which undulate in the slightest breeze, draw moving shadows on the white stones of the floor. The monochromatic palette is composed of whites and string tones enhanced by dense, sunny colours such as orange or hard blue. The floors are fresh, made of blond Ménerbes stone, as in La Bastide de Marie, or of old terracotta tiles. The walls are smoothed in tadelakt style or textured with lime like old plaster. The furniture combines traditional Provençal furniture, wedding chests, china cabinets, some 18th century pieces and on the terrace, the curves of wrought iron, softened by a profusion of cushions. In this mineral setting, antique furniture and objects are combined with baroque pieces, in a skilful interpretation of the colours, lights and harmonies that make up the identity of this region where life is very good.