Les Agnels
This renovation is both a home and a sanctuary, rooted in a centuries-old hamlet once devoted to lavender distillation. When we found it in 2017, the property was hidden beneath vines and ruin. Today, it has been reborn into a place of light, history, and quiet elegance, blending the resilience of the past with a vision for modern living.
Project Brief
The vision was to breathe new life into a centuries-old hamlet once tied to lavender distillation. What began as crumbling ruins has become a sanctuary that balances authenticity with modern design, blending local stone, open spaces, and natural light into a timeless home.
The Challenge
When first discovered, the property was nearly gone. Roofs had collapsed, walls were unstable, and vines swallowed every view. It took more than a year to find a skilled contractor willing to take on such a daunting restoration, one that demanded patience, resilience, and vision.
The Transformation
Guided by BOSC Architects of Saint-Rémy, the design honored what could be preserved while reimagining what was lost. The “Maronnier” façade was kept to frame a tranquil courtyard and fountain, while regional stone, minimal lines, and airy spaces defined the new construction.
The Experience
Today, the home embodies harmony between past and present. Sunlight flows through open interiors, while aged textures ground the design in Provençal tradition. What was once ruin is now a sanctuary of stillness, resilience, and warmth—a retreat that feels both historic and renewed.
Before
This renovation holds a special place in our hearts, as it is our home and sanctuary. When we first discovered this breathtaking corner of the world, with sweeping views of hilltop villages and nestled in a historic hamlet known for centuries of lavender distillation, we knew we needed to be a part of its transformation. The challenge was daunting as the buildings were in complete ruin, and the thick vines obscured any view of what lay beneath, making it hard to even envision the potential.
Process
There was something that simply drew us in, and despite all that was unknown we acquired the property in 2017, embarking on a journey that took over a year just to find the a willing contractor capable of undertaking such a complex restoration. Our visionary architects in Saint-Rémy, BOSC Architects, expertly captured the spirit of the project in their initial designs and then from that moment, we let the essence of the property guide us in her own magical way.
After
Initially, we envisioned building extensions onto the existing structures. As the project progressed, however, it became clear that nothing was structurally sound enough to restore. What once was a charming ruin had become little more than a pile of stones. Amid the decay we preserved the facade of the original “Maronnier,” which now forms the walls of a tranquil courtyard, complete with a basin and fountain, a testament to its resilience and history. The new contraction that now stands on the footprint of the original, blends regional materials with a minimalist, yet warm aesthetic, allowing natural light to flow effortlessly through the space and breathes new life into this historic site.
