In an increasingly sterile world, finding gems to stay that ooze flair, uniqueness and charm is getting harder and harder. We were therefore delighted to have come across the La Maison du Frêne during our travels, for it has all these quirky attributes and much more besides.
Just the location in the beautiful little town of Vence - where, by the way, Matisse lived and painted - would be reason enough to stay here, but the positives of a stay at the La Maison du Frêne go on and on. The owner Thierry is the kindest of hosts with an acute eye for the beautiful and his renovation/decoration of the La Maison de Frêne has been nothing short of spectacular. From the outside, things actually look pretty normal, as the facade of this 18th century building sits discreetly within the classically beautiful plaza. But that’s where the understatement ends.
Come inside, and you will be gob smacked just taking in the style of the main salon for the first time. It’s like straying into an eclectic art gallery, where modern sculptures vie with works by Hockney, Gilbert and George and Arman to grab your attention. Then there are the pastiches of Picasso and Liechtenstein and others, all of which belong to Thierry’s private collection built up over the years. Even getting to the bedrooms is an experience in itself. You pass the hallway which shows works by Koons and Arman, of course! Once in the rooms, this artistic vein continues. The Warhol suite, for example, boasts prints of Marilyn, but whatever the suite, decoration is as unique as a Hockney painting
It makes the La Maison du Frêne a truly whimsical delight.