Case Study — Proj. 026

Cap d'Antibes

Elevating a seaside villa for modern Mediterranean living, renovated inside and out, landscaped, and made ready for the family's summer arrival with minimal client involvement.

Vibrant blue arched entrance door with black iron hardware on a white-rendered Mediterranean villa
Entrance — a bold Mediterranean welcome in blue and white
Pool terrace with natural stone paving, custom iron railings and blue shuttered villa beyond
POOL TERRACE — NATURAL STONE PAVING, BESPOKE IRON RAILINGS & STAIRCASE
Landscaped courtyard with olive tree, drought-tolerant planting and stone paving
Rear courtyard — drought-tolerant planting around a mature olive
Yucca, cacti and succulents planted beside a rendered wall with blue shutters
SIDE BORDER — LOW-MAINTENANCE SUCCULENTS & CACTI
Shower with white metro tiling and blue patterned feature tile wall
Shower room — metro tile with a patterned feature wall
Close-up of blue and cream patterned wall tiles with chrome shower controls
Sourced patterned tile, chrome period-style controls
Wall-mounted chrome bath filler with white lever handles on white tiling
Wall-mounted chrome brassware, white lever detail
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Case Study: Cap d'Antibes

Elevating a Seaside Villa for Modern Mediterranean Living

SCOPE

Set on the prestigious Cap d'Antibes, this holiday home was recently acquired by an international family seeking a refined yet low-maintenance escape on the Côte d'Azur. The property had strong bones but was tired and in need of significant updates both inside and out. Amber Design was commissioned to oversee a complete refresh of the villa in time for the clients' summer arrival.

The brief included internal and external renovation works, landscape design, and improvements to flow, security, and outdoor living, executed with minimal client involvement and maximum attention to detail.

ISSUES TO RESOLVE

While the villa had charm and potential, it required a number of key improvements to meet the family's standards:

  • Dated bathrooms and poor-quality finishes
  • Ageing windows, no shutters, and a roof requiring renovation
  • A disjointed floor plan with no flow
  • A disused and unsecured basement level
  • Neglected pool terrace and worn outdoor staircase
  • Lack of safe balustrading
  • No outdoor kitchen or entertaining space
  • Sparse, high-maintenance garden

The clients needed a trusted expert to handle every aspect of the works, from drawings to decoration, without constant client input.

“Amber Design took care of absolutely everything. We were able to arrive in July and enjoy our home from day one. Tim's vision and coordination exceeded our expectations , we didn't have to worry about a thing. Every element feels high quality, thoughtful, and designed for how we actually live and relax here.”

— Client, Cap d'Antibes

Amber Design Skills

  • Concept Design – initial vision and layout improvements
  • CAD Planning – detailed technical drawings for all works
  • Material Sourcing – including finishes, ironwork, and stone
  • Contractor Selection – using trusted specialists
  • Project Management – on-site coordination from start to finish
  • Quality Control – ensuring craftsmanship and compliance
  • Client Representation – regular progress updates and issue resolution

Amber Design Solution

Amber Design developed a cohesive plan that elevated the home while respecting its coastal charm. Key works included:

  • Interior Renovations: All bathrooms were redesigned and upgraded with stylish, durable finishes. Internal decoration brought consistency and brightness throughout the home.
  • Windows & Shutters: A full replacement of ageing windows and the installation of bespoke shutters improved both insulation and aesthetics.
  • Roof & Rendering: The roof was fully renovated, and the villa's exterior walls rendered to a high-quality finish, enhancing both protection and curb appeal.
  • Reconnecting Spaces: The disused front-to-back route was redesigned and made safe, restoring functionality to the home's circulation.
  • Basement Upgrade: New bi-folding doors, secure shutters, and internal improvements brought the basement level up to standard, safe, dry, and usable.
  • Outdoor Living: The pool terrace was re-tiled with high-spec natural stone; the external staircase was refined and fitted with custom iron railings for both style and safety; and a beautifully integrated exterior kitchen was built, complete with built-in BBQ, fridge, ice maker, and dishwasher, perfect for summer entertaining.
  • Landscaping: An experienced landscape gardener was commissioned to install low-maintenance, drought-tolerant planting to the rear and side, complementing the villa's relaxed elegance.

The Finished Project

This Cap d'Antibes villa has been elegantly modernised into a secure, inviting retreat for family holidays. With every corner thoughtfully improved, from the cool bathrooms to the vibrant pool terrace and open-air kitchen, the property now invites the Mediterranean lifestyle it was always destined to offer.