Nestling in 35 hectares of parkland at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Château Martinay offers guests the elegance and charm of an 18th-century residence. A bucolic setting, ideal for an intimate break.
The ancestral home of the Isnards family since the 16th century, one of the oldest families in the Comtat de Carpentras, this Provencal château was completely rebuilt in 1838 by the Marquis Louis Charles des Isnards, following a fire. Bought in 2018 by Pierre Deltin, a wine-grower in the Rhône valley, the château has just been completely renovated, while retaining the aristocratic spirit of the place.
Unostentatious luxury
Head of this metamorphosis, decorator Annie Zeau has brought the 7 rooms and suites up to date with modern comforts and tastes, all of which have retained their original volume and features: wood panelling, marble fireplaces, terracotta floor tiles and interior shutters. The overall effect is chic and understated.
The spacious bathrooms are inspired by the formal purity of Belle Epoque bathrooms. This highly successful change of identity also features dominoté wallpapers by Antoinette Poisson and fabrics by designer Cécile Ploton (Maison Provence California). Ploton drew her inspiration from Provençal indiennes to create a range of cushions and bedspreads unique to Martinay.
Four large adjoining lounges, one of which is listed, open onto a south-facing terrace overlooking the estate, allowing you to take full advantage of the rural landscape. Arranged as a modern family home, the communal areas harmoniously blend the eras.
The beautiful 19th-century marble and mosaic floors have been preserved and sit beautifully alongside Eichholtz?s contemporary designer armchairs and sofas.
Kitchen and outbuildings
In the courtyard of honour, two bedrooms (40 m²) and a loft (55 m²) have been converted from the former hunting lodges.
Wide beams and parquet floors, modern fireplace, colourful Moldavian carpets, antique wallpaper,?Antoinette Poissonjute lighting from Portugal (Traces of me): we love the bohemian chic style. The renovation was entrusted to Sylvie Rimberta talented decorator from Carpentras.
You can go out into the park to enjoy the large, secluded swimming pool or take a walk among the hundred-year-old trees, a stroll with the scent of the garrigue, punctuated by the cymbals of the cicadas. Everything here invites you to relax.
Time for the shadows to lengthen. Time to enjoy a Provence wine at the bar, in the orangery or on the terrace. For the meals, Château Martinay has called in a chef from Carpentras. The three-course menu is based on market produce and seasonal local produce. The team also offers à la carte and made-to-measure dishes. And breakfast is organic.
Last but not least, Martinay is a romantic venue for weddings and receptions. Actress Sophie Turner and singer Jo Jonas chose this enchanting setting to celebrate their nuptials.
Text and photos: Brigitte Postel and DR
Château Martinay
2807 Route de Mazan
84200 Carpentras
www.chateaumartinay.com
