Interview: Diane Heerebout-Rouanet's family refuge in Sainte-Maxime

It was on the night of July 14th, in Cannes, that Diane and Christian first met. After over 30 years, they’ve returned to the region where they met to create their vacation home and a family refuge for their now-larger little tribe.

As parents of four children, the couple lived in France before returning to Diane's native land, close to Waterloo in Belgium. While Belgium has an undeniable charm, it lacked something essential: the brilliant sun of the South.

An immediate crush

Diane and her husband love to travel, discover new cultures and set off for new horizons. A second home was not a priority, quite the contrary. But as life went on, their family grew and the idea of having a place to welcome all these little ones had become more and more attractive. The traditional charm of Mas du Ponant immediately convinced the couple.

“We had a real crush. We bought this house in less than 48 hours.”

It must be said that the building is unique, well almost: there are only two traditional 19th century farmhouses left in Sainte-Maxime. The facade has retained its charm of yesteryear. Just by observing it, you can hear the cicadas and the song of the waves. The sea is right in front, just 200 metres away. The infinity pool, surrounded by cypresses that seem to be straight out of Italy, looks like classic French dolce vita.

A return to basics

Mas du Ponant is at the heart of the action, but once you step through the doors, you’ll find yourself immersed in a perfectly peaceful atmosphere. Its magnificent garden with an abundance of trees surrounds this 1866 building that was renovated and enlarged by its various owners.

“If these bricks could talk, they would have a lot to tell. […] When you open the doors, you enter a hidden gem.”

No major renovation work was necessary, which did not prevent the couple from appropriating the premises and adding a “Belgian” touch to the decoration, as locals of the country know so well. Inside, the balance between old and new is perfect. The exposed beams in the living room blend with the light colours of the contemporary furniture. Designer touches contrast with sleek black.

In the kitchen, the typical tomettes of the region coexist perfectly with the clean lines. Diane's favourite room is the balcony of the master suite which overlooks the sea. In the evening, when everyone is sleeping soundly, she likes to settle under the firmament and enjoy the silence.

A place for the whole family

All the stars have aligned to make Mas du Ponant the perfect family home for the Heerebout-Rouanet tribe. First there is the region where Christian spent his childhood holidays. And the French Riviera is also, of course, the place where he met Diane. Additionally, the house’s address is 30, as a gift for their 30 years of marriage. Good news never arrives alone, as after the family's first night in the farmhouse, Diane and Christian learned that they were going to be grandparents for the first time. Since then, three grandchildren have joined the family.

“When we visited the house, in the room of the children, I imagined my grandchildren throwing pillows at each other while laughing.”

Mas du Ponant has been designed for family with a capital “F”. The large spaces lend themselves perfectly to large meetings and the garden to frenzied football games for children. Diane and her family love nothing more than spending time there and sharing the friendly atmosphere of Mas du Ponant. 

The French Riviera in 5 key spots:

• Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in September
• Explore the coast by boat: Saint Tropez, Porquerolles, Port-Cros...
• The creeks of Estérel with their famous red stones
• The ‘sentier du douanier’ walk by the sea
• Around fifteen days are necessary to experience the region

The addresses of Diane Heerebout-Rouanet:

• La Tropézienne for morning rolls 
• Le TIGrr in Saint Tropez
• La Cabane Bambou in Pampelonne
• The market of Saint Tropez and its local products
• The wine estates of the region as a starting point for nature visits

THE French Riviera’s luxurious familial hideaways

This selection of homes is a tribute to the breathtaking patchwork of sky and sea, where we bring our families together in the height of summer. Ride along the winding coastal roads to explore these corners of paradise with the most beautiful panoramic views and contemporary decoration.