Jean Prouvé’s Villa Seynave in Saint-Tropez Is Seeking a New Owner for €3.5M

The midcentury prefab was originally designed to be transportable—although who could imagine removing the home from its pristine, tree-dotted site?
Text by

It’s not everyday that a Jean Prouvé–designed home hits the market, which makes this listing extra noteworthy. Set in the sought-after district of Domaine de Beauvallon, in Saint-Tropez, France, Villa Seynave dates back to 1962, and it has since been listed as a historic monument.

Towering trees and native vegetation create a tranquil environment around the home. Several beaches are located just a short walk away.

Towering trees and native vegetation create a tranquil environment around the home. Several beaches are located just a short walk away.

The exterior is dressed with panels of varnished Rousseau wood. Jalousie windows help provide ventilation. "The house was built with the ability to be taken apart or dismantled," explains the listing agency. "Its component parts were put together, dovetailed, and bolted."

The exterior is dressed with panels of varnished Rousseau wood. Jalousie windows help provide ventilation. "The house was built with the ability to be taken apart or dismantled," explains the listing agency. "Its component parts were put together, dovetailed, and bolted."

The prominent craftsman and architect designed the structure using his aluminum and concrete Alba system, which he developed in 1950 with his intern, M. Silvy. Prouvé then partnered with architect Neil Hutchinson and interior designer Charlotte Perriand to complete the holiday retreat.

Expansive windows allow natural light to sweep across the interior, while the restored parquet flooring enhances the home’s vintage allure.

Expansive windows allow natural light to sweep across the interior, while the restored parquet flooring enhances the home’s vintage allure.

In the living room, in front of the original steel fireplace, is a small pit where people can gather.

In the living room, in front of the original steel fireplace, is a small pit where people can gather.

Villa Seynave measures over 1,600 square feet, and it features a refined facade composed of wood, glass and metal. The floor panels are elevated above the ground, which creates the impression that the home is floating.

Inside, an open layout connects the main living areas—all of which frame picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Charlotte Perriand designed all of the wooden cabinetry in the kitchen and the interior fittings throughout, which were inspired by her time spent in Japan. Other notable details include the integrated wall lights created by designer Serge Mouille.

Each of the home’s four bedrooms feature wood-clad walls and handcrafted storage cupboards.

Each of the home’s four bedrooms feature wood-clad walls and handcrafted storage cupboards.

A spacious bathroom is included in the primary suite.

A spacious bathroom is included in the primary suite.

As listing agency Architecture de Collection notes, the current owners have strived to preserve the site in harmony with Prouvé’s initial vision, and the requirements of the home’s historical status: "Thanks to their help, it has become an outstanding place in the sphere of art, hosting artist residency programs and exhibitions throughout the years."

A closer look at one of the home’s bathrooms, which is cloaked with light-blue tile and offers a soaking tub.

A closer look at one of the home’s bathrooms, which is cloaked with light-blue tile and offers a soaking tub.

In addition to being recognized as a historical monument in 1983, the villa was also selected as one of the nine reference houses of the 20th Century by the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris back in 2011.

In addition to being recognized as a historical monument in 1983, the villa was also selected as one of the nine reference houses of the 20th Century by the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris back in 2011.

A covered terrace on the back of the residence caters to easy alfresco dining.

A covered terrace on the back of the residence caters to easy alfresco dining.

Villa Seynave in Saint-Tropez, France, is currently listed for € 3,500,000 (approximately $3,951,675 USD) by Architecture de Collection.

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.

Published

Get the Real Estate Newsletter

From midcentury classics to the best contemporary spaces for sale, see the latest listings for modern homes on the market around the world.