Homes & Estates

104 | Homes & Estates

the famous panther of René-Jules Lalique’s grand-

daughter, Marie-Claude Lalique). The “Hirondelles”

suite, adorned in red, was René Lalique’s former study,

where he designed many of his iconic pieces, and

is perhaps the most representative of French art de

vivre, with its corner window and wonderful view over

the wide-open spaces of the park. The largest suite,

“Masque de Femme” (Mask of a Woman), stretches

over two bedrooms and includes a lounge. Inspired by

the panel created by René Lalique in 1935, it embodies

René-Jules Lalique’s imagination, who was fascinated

by women, nature and mythology. Pieces of crystal

decorate the bed frames, dressing tables, bedside

tables, couches and mirrors in each suite, while period

photographs of the villa, René Lalique and the whole

family embellish the walls.

“Most of the original pieces from the villa are

fragile and are exhibited at the Lalique Museum,

located five minutes away from the villa,” says Denz.

The story of René Lalique unfolds again in the

lounge, where the crystal motif continues and fea-

tures Lalique’s signature “Femme Ailée” armchairs

by Lalique Maison. This is where guests may enjoy

a midafternoon cocktail or their favorite book. The

pièce de résistance, however, is the Botta-designed

restaurant, headed by Chef Jean-Georges Klein. The

40-person restaurant is a showpiece on multiple lev-

els. The stage is first set with a majestic black bar,

studded with crystal, which includes a hatch opening

into the kitchen — where Chef Jean-Georges Klein,

previously from three-star Arnsbourg Restaurant in

Lorraine, executes his masterful menus with execu-

tive chef Jérôme Schilling, sous chef Michel Scheidler

and team.

The décor in the dining room dazzles at every

turn: first with the pendant crystal cascade of three

ornate Windfall chandeliers (one of Denz’s favorite

pieces), then with the crystal serviette rings encrusted

with pieces of the “Masque de Femme” by Lalique and

Christofle and finally with the crystal cruets designed

by René Lalique in 1924, with the original salt and

pepper grinding mechanisms reimagined by Peugeot.

It is obvious every detail has been considered at Villa

René Lalique — even the glasses and carafes from

the 100 Points range, conceived for Lalique in 2012 by

the celebrated American wine critic James Suckling,

have also been placed on the table.

And yet, the restaurant is not just captivating

to the eyes. Like his gorgeous surroundings at Villa

René Lalique, Chef Jean-Georges Klein developed

a rich and colorful cuisine, full of contrasting looks,

tastes and textures. His creative and seasonally in-

spired cuisine delights the senses, with dishes ranging

from fillet of line-caught bass to marbled foie gras with

Mirabelle plum and roast pigeon breast, rounded off

with potato cappuccino and truffles. Another space

worthy of a visit: the stunning, 60,000-bottle cellar, po-

sitioned near the exquisite eternal crystal panels from

Lalique and British artist Damien Hirst. The cellar has

been lovingly tended by acclaimed head sommelier

Romain Iltis, which includes an impressive range of

rare vintages wines such as the 1865 Yquem.

Since its ceremonious opening in 2015, Villa

René Lalique has enjoyed an enthusiastic embrace.

Weekends are booked months in advance. From

board meetings organized by partner The Macallan

to wine-tasting events hosted by Suckling and cel-

ebrations for artists like Hirst, the villa has become a

destination for the well-heeled in Alsace, Germany,

Switzerland and the world, who want to experience

the true meaning of French art de vivre and savoir faire.

The concept has proved so successful that Denz is

planning another collaboration with Lalique and the

team of Chef Jean-Georges Klein at the end of 2017:

a five-star hotel at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, “one of

the few first growth châteaux in Bordeaux and neigh-

bor to the famous Château d’Yquem,” he reveals.

Denz and his team obviously embody savoir

faire themselves, bringing just the right amount of mo-

dernity to the old country. It’s this supreme know-how,

this French confidence that inspired René-Jules Lalique

almost a century ago— and the sophisticated epicures

today, who are still enchanted by the great artistic tradi-

tions of France’s most treasured hidden pearls.

Suites at Villa René Lalique range from 360

euros to over 1,320 euros per night. For more

information, visit

villarenelalique.com

The décor in the dining room dazzles at every turn: first with the pendant crystal

cascade of three ornate Windfall chandeliers (one of Denz’s favorite pieces)

Chef Jean-Georges Klein Sommelier Romain Iltis