Maison Oléa

This house in the city center used to be a dyeing factory; saved from abandonment exactly 30 years ago, it was renovated and transformed into a family home. Now that the children have grown up and left the nest, it remains a happy home for passing guests. Here, a stone's throw from La Canebière, life revolves around the patio, in the middle of which stands an olive tree brought back, somewhat hopelessly, just to see, from a family garden in the Var. It has flourished, becoming the emblem of the house, even giving it its name (Eleia means olive in ancient Greek), and other plants have followed. In Maison Olea, there is no artifice or pretense. The niches are there because they have meaning, as do the fireplaces and moldings. Then, in the light of the South, it's up to this clever mix & match of antiques and finds, staged with the help of decorator Frédérique Platat, to do the job and make it sing.