Villa Mirage

What was your inspiration to create Villa Mirage? What is the story behind it?

As a Swedish family, we have travelled often to the south of France. In Sweden, it is quite dark in the winter months and we thought: “Should we buy a house in Sweden or a simple apartment and a house somewhere warmer to spend the winter?” So we started looking at places in southern Europe and fell in love with this area — the culture, the language, the food. 

We found this property by accident after another couple decided not to go forward with their purchase. We bought it two years ago and have spent the time since renovating it. Set within a nature reserve, the villa was designed by a local architect (her house is a few hundred metres away) and it once formed part of an agricultural property with olive trees. It’s a classic Provençal house and when we bought it, it was empty. 

What is nice about the property is that it has a 7,000-square-metre natural garden (it hasn’t been altered) and there is no fence — this is unique in France. Because of the surrounding forest, you don’t see your neighbours. Instead, you have a small view of the sea on one side and a view toward Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the other. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a well-preserved medieval town and attracted a lot of artists in the 1940s. 

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior design?

At Villa Mirage, you are surrounded by nature and the garden, so there is a lot of natural light. Every room has a really spacious feel — it’s light and fresh. When I’m there, I feel calm. If you wake up and it has been raining, you can smell the fragrance from the plants. It feels open and like you are the only one there as you can’t see the neighbours. 

Our interior inspiration was to keep the simplicity that we have in Scandinavian design but combine it with a French-Provençal style. During the renovations, we used natural materials, such as stone, travertine and oak, and created an open design that connected the interior to the garden.

I would describe the interior as modern-classic — everything is natural and premium. Each bedroom is architecturally unique and spacious, with a balcony or terrace leading outdoors. All of the appliances are modern but there’s a classic look, with a farmhouse dining table and a stone island breakfast bar. 

We have an Iranian background and I think there’s also an Oriental flavour, particularly in the garden. It reminds me of Persian gardens - natural but with character. The property as a whole combines elements of Persian landscaping with French-Provençal design and a Swedish minimalistic lifestyle. 

To you personally, what's so special about Villa Mirage?

I think it’s the garden and the location — that’s why we fell in love with it. It’s really quiet but if you want action, you’re just a short drive away. The placement of the house is really nice. We also love coming home to the views — there’s a sense of the outside coming in that feels healthy and sustainable. It’s not like an old-school summer house — it’s really comfortable and everything is working!