Nestled in the serene landscape of Valréas, France, Câlin Valréas offers a hospitality experience like no other. Designed by Contekst’s Sam Peeters and Toon Martens, and styled by interior expert Bea Mombaers, this French estate captures the essence of luxury, nature, and history.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Valréas, France
Architecture: Kajsa Sam Peeters and Toon Martens (Contekst)
Interior Styling: Bea Mombaers
Photography: Piet-Albert Goethals
The estate, comprised of three interconnected guest houses—Àme, Île, and Tour—sits on a tranquil patch of land, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of France’s Vaucluse region. Owners Ilhem and Michael, a Belgian couple, spent over two decades revisiting this area before discovering the property. “We knew immediately it was a place where people could retreat, rejuvenate, and connect with nature,” Ilhem says.
The property’s design draws from the natural surroundings, reflecting the exterior’s sand-colored concrete and raw stone. Inside, a careful blend of materials like timber, stone, and concrete bring a sense of harmony. Each guest house, from the intimate Àme to the spacious Tour, maintains a balance between traditional elements and modern aesthetics.
Architects Sam Peeters and Toon Martens envisioned the estate as a modern interpretation of a French village, with each guest house connected by winding pathways. This design encourages exploration, creating a sense of discovery for guests as they wander between the houses.
The Contekst team is known for its ability to merge the old with the new, a philosophy that shines through in this project. “We love to blur the lines between history and the present. At Câlin, we preserved the building’s character while introducing contemporary elements,” says Sam. The materials used, such as the sand-colored concrete and stone, flow seamlessly between the indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring continuity and unity throughout the estate.
Bea Mombaers approached the interior styling with a focus on how the space could coexist with its natural surroundings. “I wanted the home to feel like it was part of the landscape,” she explains. Each piece of furniture and decor was chosen with careful consideration to match the textures and colors of the estate’s environment.
Bea sourced many one-of-a-kind and vintage items from Belgium and France, ensuring the interiors felt both unique and connected to the estate’s history. Timber plays a central role in the design, reflecting the wooden ceilings and blending with the natural materials used in the architecture. Art by Thomas Kratz adds an artistic touch, paying homage to the local legend that Câlin was once a hub for artists.
Each of the three guest houses showcases Bea’s meticulous eye for design. The living room in one features the iconic Sergio Rodrigues Diz lounge chair paired with a Vetsak sofa, creating a comfortable yet stylish space. A rug by Bea Mombaers for Serax adds texture, while the walls are adorned with the sleek Nemo Applique de Marseille by Le Corbusier, lending a modernist touch to the rustic environment.
Throughout Câlin Valréas, the connection between interior and exterior is palpable. The natural stone floors, birch ceilings, and handcrafted concrete elements anchor the homes in their environment, while the unique furniture pieces sourced by Bea elevate the design.
Beyond its stunning architecture and design, Câlin Valréas offers an immersive experience of the Vaucluse region. Ilhem and Michael are dedicated hosts, eager to share their knowledge of the area. Guests can enjoy fresh, local produce, truffle hunting, and leisurely hikes through nearby orchards. The estate is not just a retreat but an invitation to experience the richness of French culture and nature.
For those seeking a serene escape, Câlin Valréas is more than just a destination—it’s a gateway to another world, where time slows down, and nature takes center stage.
