Chara is not merely a house—it’s a hymn to the Provençal art de vivre, where life unfolds with the elegance of a well-told story. Outside, the garden brims with history and vitality, its roots tracing back to a time when it was an almond plantation. Today, it’s a vibrant paradise of perfumes and colors: roses climbing with abandon, rosemary and lavender offering their heady scents, linden trees whispering in the breeze, and the fig tree standing proud with fruit that finds its way into exquisite homemade preserves. Beneath the vast canopy of an immense laurel tree, the swimming pool shimmers invitingly, a haven of cool relief during the languid heat of summer.

The garden doesn’t just delight the senses—it serenades the soul. Spend an afternoon here, and you’ll hear the symphony of the cicadas and the chatter of birds, dozens of species flitting about, each lending its voice to this outdoor opera. At night, the sky transforms into a velvet expanse spangled with stars, and by day, it stretches out in a blue so pure it’s almost otherworldly. Every moment spent here feels like a small, precious luxury, whether you’re savoring the sweetness of grapes plucked from the vine, sipping a calming infusion of rosemary or thyme after a meal, or simply sitting still and breathing it all in.

Inside, Chara is a celebration of artistry and life well-lived. The al fresco ceilings, painted with delicate mastery in the late 19th century, are a feast for the eyes, their vibrant scenes like fragments of an exquisite dream. For decades, the house has been alive with music, its walls resonating with the melodies of family concerts and gatherings of immensely talented musicians. The baby grand Gaveau piano in the living room often spills its music into the garden, creating a seamless blend of indoor charm and outdoor serenity.

Art has always had a cherished place here. The house once hosted an aquarelle atelier, where light and shadow were captured in watercolor brilliance. Over the years, it has witnessed books being written, ideas flourishing, and the great questions of philosophy, art, anthropology, and ancient languages explored within its walls. There is an undeniable love of history here—not just the history of the house, but the grander story of art itself. The inheritance it offers is rich: shelves brimming with art books, a collection of classical music that evokes another era, and the intangible but ever-present feeling of a life steeped in culture.

In winter, the fireplace becomes the heart of the home, its warmth and glow a perfect antidote to the sharp mistral wind that whistles outside. The hearth invites you to linger, as does every corner of this extraordinary place. Chara is not simply a home; it’s a keeper of memories, a haven of beauty, and a living, breathing celebration of all that is good in life. It doesn’t just welcome you—it embraces you, whispering its stories in every detail and inviting you to become part of its history.

Sometimes I long to paint landscapes, just as I crave a walk to refresh myself, and in all of nature, in trees for instance, I see expression and soul.

- Vincent Van Gogh