Fab 40: Hôtel Ville d'Hiver, Arcachon
Transforming a 19th-cenutry water factory into a luxurious boutique hotel is no easy feat, but seasoned hoteliers Olivier and Nathlaene Arnoux have made it look effortless with their Arcachon-based bolthole in southwestern France.
Opting to ‘do it themselves’ rather than fork out for costly interior designers, the recession-savvy couple sourced many of the hotel’s materials in Europe, including the French stone used on the exterior and the Spanish ceramic found underfoot in the lobby. The result is a spectacular conversion that certainly tickles our French fancy, with twelve well-appointed bedrooms boasting sleek, contemporary interiors, an on-site restaurant serving exquisite French classics and an in-house spa offering steamy sessions in the Moroccan hammam.
British touches are evident throughout, with luscious licks of Farrow & Ball paint, fabulous fabric by Mary Fox Linton, and occasional tweed, too, making something of a comeback. Built in 1884, the property hasn’t lost any of its original charm, either; authentic features have been kept, painstakingly restored and then recycled, such as the water tank, now flanked by crisp blue-and-white seating and used as a gorgeous al fresco swimming pool.
The Biscuit House by AU*M Architectes Urbanistes, Lyon
Read the article: AU*M Architectes Urbanistes
Pastries by Camille Lesecq
Read the article: Pastries by Camille Lesecq
Lilas Animation Centre in Paris by Christian Biecher & Associes
Read the article: Christian Biecher & Associes%A
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La Grand Place, Musée du Cristal Saint-Louis
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Lilas Animation Centre in Paris by Christian Biecher & Associes
VW House by Franklin Azzi
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Ara dress by Heal Fashion
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Sleeveless Ara dress by Heal fashion
Ara dress detail by Heal fashion
Baby Horse dress by Ara fashion
Odysee dress by Ara fashion
Hotel Ville d'Hiver, Arachon
Read the article: Hotel Ville d'Hiver, Arachon
Das Pop, from Le Mont St Michel
Read the article: Le Mont St Michel fashion
Pap Femme, from Le Mont St Michel
Musée International de la Parfumerie, Grasse
Read the article: Musée International de la Parfumerie
The debut collection by Moustache
Nomiya Restaurant, Palais Tokyo, Paris
Read the article: Nomiya Restaurant
The Hemera by PGO Automobiles
Read the article: PGO Automobiles
Borrowed Treasures by Philippe Rahm at the Musee d'Orsay
Read the article: Philippe Rahm%A
Les Thermes Marins de Cannes
Read the article: Les Thermes Marins de Cannes
Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms
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