La Maison du Frêne
Bed & breakfast · Vence
1 Pl. du Frêne, 06140 Vence, France
Highlights
Artsy B&B with suites featuring original art and comfort
Artsy B&B with suites featuring original art and comfort
"Located in the heart of Vence, La Maison du Frene is an 18th-century Provencal house featuring 20th-century design, right by the famous ash tree painted by Chaim Soutine and faces Villeneuve Castle. It offers free Wi-Fi and views of Vence. All of the suites at La Maison du Frene have a unique decoration. With a minibar, each suite features a flat-screen TV, a DVD player and an iPod docking station. The private bathroom is fitted with a rain shower and a hairdryer. A homemade, continental breakfast is served daily in the dining room. Bars, restaurants and shops can be found near the property. Antibes is 20 km away and La Chapelle Matisse is a 10-minute walk away. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is 4 km away, Monaco is 44.6 km away and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is a 22-minute drive away." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"A fine 18C residence with a wrought - iron staircase, superb tiled flooring and, most notably, its contemporary artwork. It has a designer pop art feel that is light - hearted and unusual. Enthusiastic collectors, the owners share their passion with guests staying in this timelessly chic setting." - Tablet Hotels
"The Cap may be tiny, but here is proof that small is beautiful. The dreamy pine-clad peninsular separates Antibes from Juan-Les-Pins and ticks to a slower beat than the rest of the Côte d’Azur. It was developed by European nobility in the 19th century, painted by Monet and Picasso, then colonised by film stars, who made it their summer playground. It retains a feel for its own past and occasionally you get the impression you’re walking through a Jean-Luc Goddard movie. Those looking for a taste of the old Riviera will love it. This simple 1960's modernist villa makes a great base. Set in a quiet leafy residential area, you can walk down to the boulangerie or up to the butcher; laze by the pool and top up your tan; potter off to Keller Beach Club or Le Rocher for lunch and a swim; or climb up the hill to the Cap’s totemic lighthouse for fine views east and west. Contemporary simplicity is the virtue within. Stylish rooms come in white, there are terraces galore, a decked pool shaded by palm trees and a practical kitchen with all the kit. Brilliant. Highs The Cap itself, one of the loveliest spots on the Riviera with sandy beaches and Antibes' charming old town, just a 25-minute walk from the villa This is a chic minimalist villa with a homely arty vibe, ideal for a week in the sun with lovely sea views The beautiful, airy sitting room that opens onto a dining terrace The decked pool, which shimmers at the foot of palm trees The Mediterranean gardens, planted with olive trees, yuccas, lavender and grasses Lows Bedrooms don’t have the wow factor of a fancy hotel Real estate on the Cap is vastly expensive so the garden is compact Few shops on your doorstep; head into town for the market and groceries Not ideal for the less mobile or small children (no handrail on the staircase, several steps down to the pool and no shallow end) You’ll need a car to get here, but you won’t use it much; people on the Cap tend not to stray far" - Tom Bell
"Matisse lived in Vence and painted it repeatedly, while Soutine drew this actual house. Fitting, then, that this utterly beguiling home is packed with original works by all the best names. Owner Thierry grew up here, moved to Paris and became hairdresser to the stars. Now he's back for the peace, and to enjoy his fabulous collection. Marvel at works by Hockney, Arman, Gilbert and George, pop-art, pastiches of Picasso and Lichtenstein, mid-century modern originals including a Charles Eames couch, and a terrific canvas above the sofa by a local Hockney-trained artist.Beauty also filters up to the four capacious and individually presented suites: Marilyn screenprints, a black bed, gold ceramics and exquisite old oils. Mickey Mouse is gilt-framed on the vibrant red walls of the terracotta-tiled staircase, a Rennie Macintosh chair waits halfway up, and a candle chandelier hangs at the top. Colour and detail is everywhere: wallpaper, chairs, cushions, vases. The beautiful exterior is the only understated part of the house, which stands opposite the contemporary art museum and gateway to Vence's charming old town. Even breakfast cannot escape the artist’s touch – elegantly served on royal Limoges crockery and eaten under white painted beams in the impressive salon. Highs The stupendous salon – a private art gallery stuffed with sculptures, paintings, busts and abstract art – is a real jaw-dropperThe large suites are works of art in themselves; each one is uniqueGreat value for money for such a very special spaceVence is a small town, not a big village; there’s lots to see, and some night life. Many prefer Vence to busy (and more famous) St Paul de Vence down the roadThierry and his partner Guy are incredibly welcoming; staying here feels like you’re visiting one of your oldest and dearest friends Lows No garden or pool, but there are gorgeous beaches a short drive away You’ll need a car to make the most of the area, but there’s no on-site car parkVence’s old town can get pretty busy in high season" - Tom Bell
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