Interview: Bastide Saint Martin, a space for rediscovery

Caroline Perrin, and her husband Jérémy, left everything in Paris to move to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in Provence. Far from the crowds, the villages of the region are sublime and infinitely more intimate than the city life they were accustomed to. Wanting their little girl to grow up surrounded by nature, it was almost love at first sight for the couple with Bastide Saint Martin.

Previously a silk farm, it houses years of history and reignited a spark that Caroline’s mother planted in her. All of Caroline’s young life, although more musically inclined herself, her mother was an architect who always showed her her designs. Always surrounded by a family undeniably drawn to the arts, it was only natural to her that she drew up the plans for the Bastide herself.

We like simplicity. Revitalising interiors are light in colour, which is why we chose to do everything in white.

The Bastide is composed of three parts. The first part was built in 1790 and made of stone; the main house built 30 years later; and the silkworm farm built in the 1850s. All throughout the house, all the rooms have a double exposure, to the Vaucluse Mountains and the garden. Lovers of the house’s history, Caroline and Jeremy kept as much of this as possible such as the tiles from the 18th century or the terrazzo staircase from the 1960s.

The couple is also a fan of recycling, and out of the copper pipes they had left over, they made curtain rods. And in deciding to keep the entire house white, they wanted to highlight the light and  patterns that the Bastide offers thanks to its double exposure and texture of the walls.

We wanted to breathe new life into this house, and create an ‘awakening space’

At first glance, you’d be shocked to know that this beautiful home is nestled within the city centre of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle. That was the point: Caroline and Jeremy desired to create a space where you could quietly rediscover nature, yourself, and the people closest to you in a stunning ancient home with years of history. 

When asked what her favourite room is in the Bastide, Caroline immediately says that it's the cathedral room, previously where silkworms used to be raised, because as a vocal coach it’s her ultimate dream come true. This is where gatherings happen, where music is flowing, and where memories are made. Its walls have already witnessed a myriad of activities such as  a ‘week in sing’, yoga retreats, private concerts, and boisterous dinners.

We’d definitely agree that Bastide Saint Martin is best experienced with those closest to you, rediscovering the joys of the company of others at the table day in and day out.

A perfect dinner in the Bastide

Ella Aflalo is undeniably the ideal chef for the holidays in Provence at Bastide Saint-Martin. Her cuisine resembles her: it is sparkling, imaginative, generous, and refined. When you sit down at her table for the holidays, you can discover her love for fresh vegetables. On her plates, she has fun sublimating fresh produce and exploring all the possibilities available to her, whether it's mixing it with octopus, filets, or even creating fruit masterpieces out of a simple pancake.

According to her, there are no limits when cooking vegetables, and she works them as one would with meat. Today, the young chef thrives in the intimate home setting, which is the ideal condition for her guests to experience a moment of sharing, passion and curiosity. 

Travelling to Provence with Le Collectionist is an adventure of a lifetime. Our experiences will not only allow you to collect and share in unique memories with those you love, but they will also complement all of the other wonderful activities and adventures in this luxury holiday destination.

Explore our magical Provence villa rentals to springboard your next unforgettable trip to the region that feels inexhaustibly full of surprises. Or possibly looking for more home inspiration? Discover our other extraordinary home tours.