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Discover the story behind Villa Omnia, a typical wooden home perfect for your next luxury holidays in Cap Ferret.
David Blanc was just a young man when he was first invited to Cap Ferret by a friend. His first memory of awe at the wild beauty of Cap Ferret is sitting at the brink of dawn facing the calm waters of the Arcachon Bay. He decided then and there that one day, he would have his own house in the area.
See our suggestions if you want to have both an exotic and gourmet escape to Cap Ferret.
A HOME IN CAP FERRET REFLECTING ITS OWNERS
David and Beatrice Blanc describe their coupling as a unique "marriage of wine and finance." With David having worked his whole life in finance and Beatrice coming from one of the oldest Bordeaux wine families in France, it was a beautiful blend. Each partner's vision complemented the other, lending itself to a harmonious home.
Despite their differences, the couple shares a love for the special hideaway that is Cap Ferret. Although they currently reside in the United Kingdom, they've always considered Cap Ferret to be like a second home. To them, the area's beauty lies in its rugged, pastural nature carefully preserved by those who call Cap Ferret home. To illustrate this, the couple shared a fun tidbit that the first road to this peninsula was only built in the 1950s, and that to this day, there is still not a single traffic light in the city.
Beatrice's family has long standing ties with the region. They own a beautiful 10th century prairie house, that legend would have it used to be owned by kings. It has even housed the famous Charlemagne! A true Cap Ferret native, her love for the area might as well be part of her genetic makeup. But after meeting David, the couple wanted a house of their own to write their own history in Cap Ferret.
Add your own chapter to Villa Omnia's history with help from our article on what to do on family holidays in Cap Ferret.
A CAP FERRET VILLA BLENDING TRADITION AND MODERNITY
Villa Omnia is a brand new house that was finished in the end of 2018. The exterior is astonishing, with rich red bricks from Arcachon nodding to the 18th century history of the bay's classical homes. The rest of the home is mostly in pine wood, like a typical Cap Ferret cabana.
- Despite the home's wooden look, it's actually fully built in concrete. This choice was made to ensure that the home would be comfortable year round, whether through a brisk winter or warm summer days. Each room is fully air conditioned and fully heated, a rare feature in most homes in the region. That said, it was crucial to the Blancs that they maintain the local Cap Ferret architectural style despite incorporating modern amenities.
The Blancs spent a long time deciding where they wanted to build Villa Omnia before finding the perfect location: a quiet and secret corner hidden in Cap Ferret's pine forest, just steps away from the ocean beaches and the bay. In only 600 metres on foot, you can dip your toes in the sand!
If you love holidays by the water, see our guide to the best surf spots in Cap Ferret.
VILLA OMNIA: DESIGN INFLUENCED BY A SECOND HOME
When speaking about Villa Omnia, David Blanc fondly says "the house looks like it could be in London!" While they were both born and raised in France, the couple made a second home of the United Kingdom. And its this London home to which Villa Omnia pays homage. With a mix of sleek and contemporary materials and finishes, the colourful hues suggest a mix of delicate and rich tones that are almost royal.
Beatrice describes the house as a collaboration between her and Joanne de Lepinay, their dear friend and interior designer. Beatrice speaks fondly of her great help and contributions towards the design they envisioned.
If you had left it to me, I would've never decided. So with that, I let Joanne choose each room's colour and trusted her completely.
- Beatrice Blanc
A HOME IN CAP FERRET MEANT TO BE SHARED
The couple's favourite room is the triple reception room, a stunning space that opens onto the library and dining room. With a breathtaking black marble and bronze fireplace from 1815 at the centre, it exudes a convivial atmosphere perfect for Cap Ferret holidays together with family and friends.
Omnia means epicentre. I knew that it was the perfect name: Villa Omnia is a dream, and it represents everything to us.
- David Blanc
Villa Omnia has no sea view, and it is nowhere near the centre of town or a Cap Ferret beach, but that's exactly what the Blancs wanted: to be sheltered from the world's hustle and bustle in the heart of a quiet forest. That said, Villa Omnia isn't abandoned once the last glimpse of summer is gone; the couple and their children come back throughout the year to enjoy winter in Cap Ferret.
BREATHTAKING MOMENTS IN VILLA OMNIA
Every Friday, David would commute from his office in the centre of London to Villa Omnia by aeroplane. After only 3 hours door-to-door, David immediately heads up to the 3rd floor terrace of Villa Omnia for a bit of magic. His favourite memory, he describes it as his "wow" moment in the house.
I cannot see the sea, but I can hear it and I can smell it from the top of the pine trees.
- David Blanc
OUR FAVOURITE LUXURY HOMES IN CAP FERRET
Among Cap Ferret's traditional homes, we've put together a selection of the most beautiful luxury villas for you, worthy of being the backdrop for Guillaume Canet's Little White Lies.
Ideally located in Cap Ferret, just steps away from the Arcachon Bay beach and near the city centre, Cabane de Marie is a traditional wooden cabana typical of the region. We love spending long afternoons here nestled among the greenery, beside the scintillating pool, and discovering the authentic decor.
Cabane de Marie in Cap Ferret
A don't-miss luxury villa in Cap Ferret, Villa Lara is one of the most iconic homes in our catalogue. A large wooden cabana in the shade of the pines, its decor balances designer touches and local traditions, and the lush garden is the perfect setting for your next family holidays.
Villa Lara in Cap Ferret
A perfect embodiment of Cap Ferret's bohemian aura, Cabane des Dunes is the perfect stay for sand and surf lovers. Its colourful facades across the many cabanas that make up the property and the retro decor are a promise of a hippy-chic summer under the sun.
Cabane des Dunes in Cap Ferret
Discover our full catalogue of beautiful homes in Cap Ferret, learn more about the most beautiful log homes in the world, or keep exploring our most beautiful homes in the world through owner interviews:
- Birgit and Villa de la Palme in Saint-Tropez
- Frédérique Fournier and Villa Dune in Cap Ferret
- Alice Tourbier and Chalet Mapple in Méribel
With Le Collectionist, renting luxury Cap Ferret villas has never been easier. Explore our collection to discover other seventies-inspired Cap Ferret homes.
