Villa La Clarté

Villa La Clarté

, Chemin des Vivards, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Provence.

Lying on the pine-clad hills above the Mediterranean Sea is Villa La Clarté, just a few minutes drive from the beach. The villa was designed by a celebrated Arte Nouveau architect for his own use, then renovated in the 1990s by another architect who lived there with his family, so the design credentials are perfect.

The garden of Villa La Clarté is planted with native Mediterranean species. The palm trees guide you up to the villa and the 10x5m swimming pool. All this creates an atmospheric space that is half-sun, half-shade, taking fullest advantage of the soft ambience of Cavalaire-sur-Mer. The terrace by the pool is plentifully supplied with chairs and loungers to enjoy the garden to the full.

The four guest rooms are totally individual, though they share the basic comforts such as queen- or king-size beds, minibar, Nespresso machine, hydro-massage sower and a safe. Cap Taillat on the ground floor provides disabled access and has a private terrace leading onto the garden. Cap Lardier is on the first floor, with a private terrace looking onto the garden. Cap Camarat is a family suite for up to six people with a second bedroom  plus a mezzanine with  a third double bed. It too has a private terrace. Our favourite though is Cap St Tropez, primarily for the vast wood-panelled bathroom with it's hydro-massage shower, double bath tub and big windows overlooking the garden in total privacy.

Cavalaire-sur-Mer has an exceptional climate with 300 sunny days per year. It looks out on the blue waters of the Mediterranean and is blessed with both rugged cliffs and long sandy beaches.