The DNA: When modernist master Jean Prouvé created his demountable houses in 1944 as temporary shelters for war refugees of the French region of Lorraine, little did he dream that a refurbished version of his 6×6 emergency prefabricated home would end up as a solar-powered luxury suite in a pine forest of the Provence. But these are no ordinary woods: Châteu La Coste, owned by Belfast-born art collector and property magnate, Paddy McKillen, is a 600-acre sprawl that encompasses biodynamic vineyards and a winery by; a café and bookstore; three restaurants; Villa La Coste, an elegant mid-century-inspired hotel and spa; two rehabilitated 1940s wood houses by Jean Prouvé that serve as libraries; and a Tadao Ando-designed Art Centre. Unsurprisingly, the new Suite N° 30 slots in nicely with Château La Coste’s pioneering architectural spirit. In 2015, after a brief showing at Design Miami /Basel, the demountable 6X6 home was exhibited at Chateau La Coste’s Renzo Piano Pavilion. Then over dinner one night in London, McKillen and French gallerist and art dealer Patrick Seguin (who since 1991 has actively rescued Prouvé’s remaining demountable houses) brainstormed on how to keep the Prouvé legacy relevant and alive. Inside, there is a Villa La Coste-designed bed and nightstands, artwork by Nan Goldin, Elizabeth Peyton and Stephen Shore and mid-century furnishings including Prouvé’s ‘Bahut BA 12’ cabinet for storage and the ‘Square Table’ and a pair of ‘Easy Armchairs’ by Pierre Jeanneret. Meanwhile a newly added cylindrical pod, by Richard Rogers, houses the satellite solar-powered kitchen, where – if not dining at one of the estate’s three restaurants – guests can whip up their own dishes. And while a relatively small water tank means long hot showers are not quite on the cards, Kennedy says, ‘it’s all part of the experience.

Seen: Wallpaper*

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2017

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 28 suites (60-120m2) (646-1,292 sq ft) ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk