Quiet Beauty in Provence: Inside Jonathan Tanner’s Serene French Retreat

Every so often, a home comes along that makes you want to exhale the second you see it—and Jonathan Tanner’s Provençal retreat is exactly that. Featured in House & Garden UK, it’s the kind of space where the light feels softer, the air calmer, and every single detail feels quietly considered. Tanner’s story is just as charming as the house itself. Before becoming an interior designer, he was a professional skateboarder, traveling the world and collecting beautiful things along the way. Those early treasures eventually led to work in design, from The Conran Shop to a gallery on London’s Columbia Road, and later to restoring historic homes. When a client spotted his work on Instagram, Tanner found himself in southern France with the perfect canvas: a home with sweeping views of Les Alpilles and gardens designed by Jean Mus.

Inside, the palette is pared-back and airy—white linen curtains that catch the breeze, pale stone floors layered with handwoven matting, and seating so inviting you can almost feel the fabric just looking at it. Over two years, Tanner sourced antiques from all over the world: a Baroque console with just the right amount of age, Georgian floor lamps given new life, and a mirror that’s been hanging around Provence since the 18th century. These pieces mingle effortlessly with modern craftsmanship, like custom Belgian dining tables made from reclaimed wood and a kitchen built by a local carpenter—proof that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.

What makes this home so special isn’t just the beautiful things in it, but the way Tanner lets each one breathe. There’s no over-styling, no shouting for attention—just a thoughtful layering of history, texture, and craftsmanship that feels lived-in and deeply personal. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, notice the way the light hits the wall at 4 p.m., and maybe dream a little about your own escape to Provence.