In the heart of trendy Saint-Tropez is this six-bedroom villa for up to 12 guests. Rafaela is a magnificent classic French villa with a wealth of bespoke flourishes that lend it a charmingly rustic ambience. Everything about Villa Rafaela is unique, from the shabby-chic furnishings to the playful use of vibrant tiles in the ensuite bathrooms and the original exposed wooden beams.

Saint-Tropez isn’t just about beautiful beaches and A-list celebrity visitors. There’s an older, quainter heart to this Riviera town that will enchant you from the moment you arrive. Honey-toned buildings are adorned with floral baskets and shuttered windows. Narrow, winding alleyways open out onto cobbled courtyards that could have emerged from a watercolour by Matisse. Delightful little restaurants offer up a very different kind of fare to the rest of France, influenced more by the bright, light flavours of the Mediterranean region, such as salade Niçoise or a delicious pissaladière thin-crusted tart.

Although it’s just a 15-minute walk to Place des Lices, Villa Rafaela feels as if it’s a million miles from the buzzing streets and harbourside restaurants of Saint-Tropez. The décor celebrates that eclectic and impulsive character that is so typical of Saint-Tropez, with a fascinating fusion of modern art and traditional French farmhouse flourishes. It’s cottagey yet spacious, with gorgeous tiled floors and rustic coffee tables complemented by simple white furniture and pops of colour to enliven each room. The aged-timber dining table is straight out of a chateau kitchen, while the kitchen is a symphony of soft blues that echo the teal hues of the sky. Five of the six bedrooms are located in the main villa and are individually decorated to embrace a boutique ambience. Three bedrooms offer king-size comfort, while a fourth bedroom has a cosy queen-size bed. The master bedroom has an indulgent California king-size bed and terrace access for those lazy wake-ups with an espresso and orange juice in the morning. The sixth bedroom offers a couple a little more privacy in the annexe, with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom.

Outside, Villa Rafaela continues to entice, with exquisitely manicured beds and bucolic corners where you can find a shady spot for an afternoon snooze. The al fresco dining area gives you incredible views of the distant Alps, while a heated swimming pool tempts you to cram in a few laps before breakfast. Stop, pause, and breathe in the scent of lavender and thyme as you gaze out across one of the most spectacular views in the whole of the Mediterranean at Villa Rafaela.