Combine a 19th century villa with 21st century sophistication, add in a wild, dramatic coastline and some seriously gorgeous French sunshine and you have Villa Emily. This charming property sits on the coast of La Seyne-sur-Mer, close to the historic town of Toulon. Covering a massive 6,458ft² and with a huge garden where you can find true peace and quiet, it’s a getaway that’s good for the mind, body and soul. The five-bedroom villa welcomes up to ten guests in complete comfort and is the ultimate sun-kissed escape.

The villa is easy to get to - just 20 minutes drive from Toulon-Hyères Airport and around one and a half hours from Nice Côte d'Azur airport. Toulon is a beautiful Provençal port that has a long and illustrious history. It’s the perfect spot to go boutique shopping, winding your way down cobbled streets and secret alleyways to find that quintessential French café for a morning coffee and pastry. Nearby Hyères is full of medieval delights filled with public gardens and wide-open spaces.

While Villa Emily is well over 100 years old, its interior has been thoughtfully and sympathetically revived to capture the spirit of its ancestry, balanced by a plethora of modern features. The décor is sublimely simple, but look up and you’ll see intricately gilded ceilings and ornate decorations that really make this villa stand out from the crowd.

The five bedrooms are spacious and grand without being over-the-top. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and stunning sea views. Bedrooms two, three, four and five all have queen-size beds and alternate between garden views and spectacular ocean vistas. Bedrooms four and five also have access to the pool area. For less physically mobile guests the villa has its own elevator. The kitchen is superb (as you might expect in a French villa) with all modern conveniences and appliances, while the dining room easily seats all ten guests around its elegant table. The communal areas include a generous main living room, a smaller room with garden views, and a reception or seminar room with space for up to 40 people.

The serenity of Villa Emily makes it truly special. Outside a large infinity pool complements the ocean view, and the extensive gardens are the place to find some Zen-like peace and tranquillity. Wellness is at the heart of the villa’s principles, with yoga and meditation on offer during your stay. More active guests can enjoy diving, hiking and water sports, exploring some of the finest French countryside and coastline as you go.