Interiors - April/May 2011

This section of the house is a single storey, focused on maximizing the transition to the outdoors and the view across the Palmeraie to the distant mountains—a scene best appreciated from the roof terrace above the main living quarters. On the ground floor, an adjoining double-height wing cradles the master suite, a study, and three family bedrooms. A guest pavilion, by the swimming pool, offers visiting friends their own private retreat.

Having bought the house in a raw state, the owners turned
to leading Belgian interior designer, Esther Gutmer to work on
a concept that would be very much in sympathy with the
architecture. “My husband wanted a feeling of simplicity and
purity,” says the owner. “But Esther and I also agreed that
the house needed to be comfortable as well. For us it was
important to have a feeling of femininity and softness.”
Gutmer interpreted the organic qualities of the house—the
warm, earthy colors and natural textures, like the scrub grass
tones of the dining room, where she designed a bespoke
dining table that took advantage of the views out to the olive
grove. She created a number of striking pieces for the project.

Some were shipped from Europe while others, such as the
exquisite cabinet in the entrance hall, were made by local
craftsmen to her specifications.

“What really interested me about the house was the volume,
the light and the great views,” says Gutmer. “The greatest
challenge was keeping the contemporary spirit while also
creating a feeling of simplicity and peace.”
“And who wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the beauty of this
part of the Palmeraie, with the mountains all around and the
colors or the earth and the trees? The house is part of that—its
elegance speaks for itself.”
Responding to the free and expansive qualities of the main
living spaces, Gutmer carefully mixed selected pieces from
Walter Knoll and Christian Liaigre–chosen for their elegance
and comfort–with bespoke designs, such as the lacquered
white table and the two matching coffee tables by the
fireplace. Fresh, light tones tie the furnishings together, while
African elements like the panier-style side tables add another
level of detail.

The bedrooms, by contrast, are more intimate retreats and places of calm. The master bedroom is lifted by softer and more feminine colors, with lavenders and lilac tones standing out against the crisp white walls. The master bathroom is enlivened by the owner’s collection of South African necklaces.

Perhaps the greatest success of the house lies in the sense
of flexibility and the wealth of choices to relax and enjoy the

interiors
surroundings, whether indoors or out. This is a home, says the
owner, that easily lends itself to suit a quiet, escapist family
weekend or entertaining friends all against the sublime
backdrop of the Palmeraie itself n Esther Gutmer, 32 (0) 2 648