Craving fresh air and nature? Welcome to the Velvet House(s)

Gaspard, can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to create Velvet House?

Gaspard: I co-founded Wefix back in the 2010s, which grew into France’s leading smartphone repair company. We experienced strong growth and eventually sold the business to a major French group in 2018. At the same time, as a true surf enthusiast, I had launched the Instagram account SurfPorn, which quickly gained traction. I’d always had ideas for surf-related projects, and after the Wefix sale, I finally had the time to explore them. In 2023, I published a book featuring my 25 favorite surf photographers, divided into sections introduced by surf legends. Not long after, I felt the pull to dive back into entrepreneurship. I’d always been drawn to hospitality. My wife and I have traveled extensively, often staying in rental homes across France. But we kept running into the same issues: uninspired interiors, neighbors too close for comfort, noisy roads, a lack of charm, unreliable Wi-Fi…As a nature lover, I started dreaming of countryside escapes — far from the noise. I wanted to create the kind of home we all wish we could find: peaceful, inspiring, and free of the usual downsides. That’s how Velvet House was born — a collection of quiet retreats designed for slowing down, reconnecting with what matters, and sharing meaningful moments.

You’ve mentioned wanting to recreate “the spirit of your childhood house in the Landes.” How does that inspiration come through in the Velvet House properties?

Gaspard: That house was really the origin story — a place where we’d gather with family and friends, spending unforgettable moments and creating lifelong memories. It sat right in front of the ocean — our only horizon. We’d surf all day, and there was this incredible sense of freedom...The decor was simple, nothing flashy, but the spaces were generous — and to me, that’s the new definition of luxury. With Velvet House, I try to recreate that same feeling in every property. Not just places to stay, but homes with soul. The kind of places you don’t just visit once — you feel the pull to return.

In your opinion, what makes a holiday home truly exceptional — and specifically, what sets the Velvet House properties apart?

Gaspard: First and foremost, we’ve put a lot of thought into the architecture, interior design, and amenities at the Velvet Houses. But in my view, what makes a holiday home truly unforgettable isn’t the features — it’s the feeling. What I love in a house is the surroundings, the location, and the little details… That winding path through the dunes leading to the ocean. A shared recipe book you can add to. The way the morning light hits the terrace. That’s what a holiday home is all about — a place where you feel free. When you’re surrounded by nature, you naturally slow down. You do things your own way. You create your own rituals — and most importantly, you want to come back. That last part is key. As for the experience, it’s a home where you can truly enjoy yourself — whether you’re alone, as a couple, with family, or friends. It’s about making memories, together. The feedback from our first guests has been incredible, and that’s something I’m really proud of. I made a conscious decision not to settle in the usual hot spots — and so far, it’s been the right call. People are looking to escape the city — the stress, the noise, the pollution… even the anxiety of today’s world. When you arrive at one of these houses, you hit pause. And you breathe.

Is there a book, a piece of music, or a film that really captures the Velvet House vibe?

Gaspard: There’s one book I’m obviously keen to mention — the one we gift to every guest: The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono. It’s a classic, absolutely beautiful, and a real pleasure to read. It might not sum up the entire Velvet House collection, but it captures the spirit — a connection to life, a celebration of slowing down, and the beauty of simple gestures.

Each house has a well-stocked library — how do you choose the books?

Gaspard: Yes, every house has a library — which was really important to me as an avid reader! I also think a beautiful library adds so much character to a room. These aren’t just my personal favorites — except for Surf Porn, of course — but the team who sourced all the furniture also carefully curated the books to match each house’s theme. At Le Vaudoué, for example, you’ll find books on forests, birds, animals, mushrooms… along with novels focused on biodiversity. At Anneville, the spotlight is on fishing, fish, and all things Normandy. They’re all vintage, beautifully crafted books that make you want to leaf through a few pages — then stay there for hours.

A word about the next house or houses in the collection?

Gaspard: After launching two houses in just one year, we’re definitely not planning to stop there! A third is set to open by 2026, with more to follow across France — and possibly throughout Europe. Each house will be unique, but they’ll all share the same spirit: thoughtful design, comfort, a meaningful experience, and a deep connection to nature.