In this typical 18th-century Arlesian house, Léna has successfully highlighted contemporary art while making Casa Misra an intimate artist’s retreat in the heart of the city
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Arles
Villa Bank
In Arles, a futuristic 1970s architectural villa revamped into a retro-cool vacation home
Make a booking request
After two years of renovations, Villa Bank—originally envisioned by Emile Sala in the 1970s—saw its flame rekindled in 2020, bringing a host of promises for vacationers who are fans of seventies architecture.
Arles
Villa Bank
In Arles, a futuristic 1970s architectural villa revamped into a retro-cool vacation home
Make a booking request
After two years of renovations, Villa Bank – envisioned by Emile Sala in the 1970s – saw its flame rekindled in 2020, along with a host of promises for vacationers who are fans of seventies architecture.
In Arles, a futuristic 1970s architectural villa revamped into a retro-cool vacation home
Make a booking request
"Thanks to the house's unique architecture and numerous openings, one feels connected to nature from the inside."
A few kilometers from the center of Arles, you can spot a white building amidst a vast wooded estate, all curves and volumes—welcome to Villa Bank! Built by architect Emile Sala, Villa Bank has been listed as a 20th-century heritage site by the Ministry of Culture since 2012. It is even rumored to be one of Emile Sala’s mature works and among his most significant productions. This avant-garde building, perfectly in harmony with its surroundings, makes a strong impression. Villa Bank—a true embodiment of 1970s modernist architecture—was completely renovated in 2018 to become the comfortable vacation home it is today, accommodating up to ten vacationers who are art and design enthusiasts.
A futuristic
family home
The terrace made of Brazilian rose quartz. © ArthurAPhotographie
When Michèle and Abraham Bank enlisted Emile Sala to design their family villa, they envisioned a home with contemporary architecture that emphasized “indoor-outdoor living, soft curves and lines, and volumes that embrace the contours of the terrain,” reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations. It’s like finding a small piece of New York and the Guggenheim in Arles!
Emile Sala envisioned a home that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, allowing you to enjoy the sun while strolling between terraces, rooftops, and patios. Rectangular and square windows subtly break the villa’s curves, framing nature like artwork. The landscaped garden, completed in 2020, has become a masterpiece to admire from morning till night. With its rounded shapes and varied volumes, no two rooms are alike. Moving through the space feels effortless, offering intimate areas and spacious communal zones to enjoy throughout the day.
The main feature of the living room: the fireplace by sculptor Max Sauzé. © ArthurAPhotographie
Living in tune
with the times
Under the impulse of the Belgian family who acquired it in 2018, Villa Bank has undergone a transformation! While the structure has remained intact, preserving its original seventies spirit, the interior has been completely renovated over two years. Sleek, contemporary off-white tones have replaced the original materials (cork, carpet) and colors (orange, brown). One room stands out: the fully orange cinema room with matching Togo sofas.
Upon seeing the numerous paintings and artworks scattered throughout the house, visitors immediately understand that the new owners are art and design enthusiasts. Around the original fireplace, crafted by sculptor Max Sauzé, you’ll find a bronze stool by designer François Champsaur and a hide rug by artist Carine Boxy. Other pieces were curated from Los Angeles, where the family lived for a time. All these artworks and items bring diversity and warmth to the expansive white spaces!
Arlesian vacation
When staying at Villa Bank, the hardest part will be choosing among all the possible activities! Enjoy an afternoon movie in the cinema room, swim in the pool, take a guided tour of downtown Arles, go on a safari in the Camargue, horseback riding, or taste local products from nearby producers. For music enthusiasts, the house has its own dedicated space: piano, guitar, and vinyl player. Calling all artists, amateur or not! The villa fosters an atmosphere conducive to creativity, so be sure to schedule some time in your vacation plans to indulge in it!
As the day winds down and the sun begins to set, it’s the perfect moment to explore the wooded park. Breathe in the scents of orange trees and magnolias, and savor the opportunity to spend a vacation in such a tranquil and beautiful place.
Stroll through the one-hectare estate. © ArthurAPhotographie
The 3 things
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Destination Arles
Villa Bank
13200, Arles, France
Transports
Arles train station
11 min
Nîmes Pont-du-Gard train station
29 min
Avignon - Provence airport
48 min
Restaurants
Páou (Mediterranean tapas)
10 min
Mesa (Bistro, seasonal cuisine)
11 min
Hôtel Présent rooftop
11 min
Inari (Franco-Vietnamese fusion cuisine)
12 min
La Cachette (sandwiches, local and seasonal cuisine)
16 min
L'Épicerie du Cloître (seasonal Mediterranean cuisine)
16 min
Shops and Craft workshops
Moustique (home decor store)
13 min
Le Sauvage - pain et fleurs (bakery)
13 min
Bigourdan - Distillery of Camargue
15 min
Le buste et l’oreille (wine bar & books shop)
16 min
Nature, Culture and Heritage
LUMA Arles
6 min
Arènes d’Arles
13 min
Lee Ufan museum
14 min
Rencontres de la photographie
16 min
Van Gogh museum
30 min
Villa Bank
13200, Arles, France
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