FALLING IN LOVE WITH LA RIVIERA
As a native of Cologne, I had been traveling to the South of France with my parents since early childhood. The endlessly beautiful sea, the dramatic stretches of coastline, the vibrant markets, and the effortless savoir-vivre of the people shaped my earliest memories. Together with my wife, our children, and the dogs, this place becomes our second home every once in a while. Even today, life here moves to a gentler rhythm — slower, warmer, and filled with meaningful moments that invite you to pause and truly enjoy the present.
FINDING AN OLD BELLE ÉPOQUE VILLA – LA CHÊNERAIE
Not only the house itself captivated me when an auctionaire told me about it for the first time, but also the hill where, in 1896, a pastor and his wife from the Heidsieck champagne family chose to build their residence. The pastor’s small chapel still stands only a few steps away, giving the property a rare and peaceful presence. We first operated the villa as a hotel, yet many families asked for a place spacious enough for children and grandchildren to gather under one roof — something truly rare along the Côte. With its generous volumes and sweeping views, the house invites togetherness. And once you have watched the sunset through the bow window, a sparkling glass of Heidsieck Rosé in hand, you may find yourself never wanting to leave.
RESTORING TRADITION WITH MODERN LIVING
I fell in love with the old Belle Epoque villa, but the house needed a lot of work and it would be a big project for a German living outside of France. In 2012 we started the long process of renovating. It demanded courage, vision, and patience to see beyond its condition, because nearly everything required renovation.
At that time I was building my path as a construction entrepreneur and I wanted to renovate the entire house with its garden while respecting the integrity of the oriinal construction, working with many talented craftspeople and french artisans. Now, in 2026, we begin a new chapter, carefully restoring it once again — saying goodbye to its difficult name and returning to its local roots: RAPHAEL.
In 2026, guests will experience newly redesigned and thoughtfully furnished living spaces. It was important to my wife and me to prepare the house for the next generation — blending contemporary high scale interior design with the character of its historic walls.
Throughout the year, we will also transform the sun-drenched kitchen into a true living space at the heart of the home. We are truly happy to share The Raphael and our love for the Côte d’Azur with our guests, and we would be delighted if you chose The Raphael for your next journey to the French Riviera — a place where you can experience the pure magic of this beautiful region.
Yours,
Lars & Ulrike
HOLIDAY RENTAL
