Interior architect
in Ramatuelle
From the hilltop village to the beaches of Pampelonne and L’Escalet, SB Design Riviera designs and renovates the villas of Ramatuelle.
Ramatuelle, between hilltop village and wild beaches
Ramatuelle occupies the south of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. Its medieval village, perched on a hill and wound in concentric lanes, overlooks the vineyards, the Pampelonne plain and the sea. The territory is vast and contrasted: nearly five kilometres of sand at Pampelonne, the rocky coves of L’Escalet and Bonne Terrasse, the wild, protected capes of Taillat and Camarat, and hillsides planted with Côtes de Provence vines.
Properties here are among the most sought after on the French Riviera: pine-wood villas in private gated estates, farmhouses and bastides among the vines, village houses, contemporary villas close to the beaches. Many of their owners do not live here and expect a discreet, comprehensive service able to absorb the constraints of a highly protected territory.
SB Design Riviera works across the whole peninsula and the gulf. Our neighbouring project in La Croix-Valmer — a new build, a reworked infinity pool, complete interior and exterior design, a scheme drawn in 3D before construction — reflects the standard we apply in Ramatuelle.
The sectors of Ramatuelle
The hilltop village
Stepped lanes, tightly packed houses, shaded squares and views over the bay of Pampelonne. Village houses are narrow and stacked: light, staircases and storage are the whole project, with respect for the façades of the old centre.
Pampelonne
The plain and the long sandy beach, its beach clubs and, set back, residential estates in the pines and the vines. Single-storey or two-storey villas, often designed for summer letting, where interiors and outdoor spaces matter equally.
L’Escalet
In the south of the peninsula, a succession of coves and rocks, a district of discreet villas at the end of narrow roads. Sea views, access to be organised with care, a highly protected natural setting.
Bonne Terrasse
Between Pampelonne and Cap Camarat, a small seaside hamlet and villas turned towards the bay. A peaceful sector where projects favour terraces and continuity between inside and outside.
Capes Taillat and Camarat
Cap Camarat and its lighthouse, Cap Taillat and its isthmus: protected natural areas crossed by the coastal path. The rare neighbouring properties sit within a listed landscape where every outdoor intervention is strictly regulated.
Pine-wood villas, bastides and village houses
In Ramatuelle, the property dictates the project. A 1970s or 1980s estate villa in the Pampelonne pines is transformed in depth: opened-up volumes, insulation, windows, a new kitchen, en-suite bedrooms, entirely redesigned outdoor spaces. A bastide among the vines is renovated with respect for its thick walls, terracotta floors and proportions. A village house is rethought around light and vertical circulation.
We design for a precise use — family home, high-end rental house, or both — with materials that age well under sun and wind: stone, wood, lime, lacquered metal, Burgundy stone or terracotta floors.
- Pine-wood villas in the gated estates of Pampelonne
- Farmhouses and bastides among the vines, to be renovated with respect
- Village houses in the old hilltop centre
- Contemporary villas in L’Escalet and Bonne Terrasse, to be fitted out
- Seafront properties and those near the capes, tightly regulated
Our services in Ramatuelle
- Complete renovation of villas, bastides and village houses
- Bespoke interior architecture and decoration
- Furniture, kitchens, dressing rooms and joinery designed by the studio
- Outdoor spaces: pool, terraces, summer kitchen, pergola, lighting
- Enhancement before high-end seasonal letting or sale
What to know before renovating in Ramatuelle
Ramatuelle is one of the most protected towns on the Var coast. Before drawing, we check what is possible for each plot — and we build the schedule around a very busy summer season.
Coastal Law and the 100-metre strip
Outside built-up areas, any new construction is prohibited within the 100-metre strip. Villas near Pampelonne, L’Escalet or Bonne Terrasse have their extension or pool possibilities conditioned by the zoning, to be checked case by case.
Listed sites and Natura 2000
Capes Taillat and Camarat, extended by Cap Lardier, form a protected natural ensemble — a listed site and a Natura 2000 perimeter. Nearby, outdoor interventions may require the opinion of the heritage architect or a special authorisation.
Local plan, agricultural and natural zones
A large part of the territory is classified as agricultural or natural land, where building and extension possibilities are very limited. The local plan also regulates heights, external appearance and fences in the built-up sectors.
Private gated estates
Many villas lie within estates with their own rules: working hours, contractor access, appearance of roofs, façades and fences. We obtain them before planning and comply with them.
Mandatory brush clearing
Pine woods and scrubland expose the town to wildfire risk: legal brush-clearing obligations apply around buildings, generally within 50 metres. They are part of the landscape design.
Summer season
Traffic towards Pampelonne, saturated parking, orders that may restrict noisy works: a site in Ramatuelle runs from autumn to spring and is delivered before the first summer visitors arrive.
This information is indicative: the rules depend on the plot, its zoning and the estate regulations. We check them with the Ramatuelle planning department before any sketch.
Our method for non-resident owners
Our clients in Ramatuelle most often live in Paris, London, Geneva, Brussels or further afield. Our service allows them to run a complete project without a regular presence on site.
- 01
Survey and diagnosis
Visit of the property, full survey, photographs, review of the estate rules and planning constraints. A precise report is handed to you before any sketch.
- 02
Design and 3D views
Plans, moods, materials and 3D views are presented by video call. You approve each stage on images faithful to what will be delivered.
- 03
Peninsula trades
We consult contractors from Ramatuelle, Gassin, Cogolin and the gulf whom we know, compare quotes and put together a consolidated budget.
- 04
Site supervision and photo reporting
Off-season schedule, coordination of contractors and estate access, regular visits, an illustrated report after each one.
- 05
Turnkey delivery before summer
Furniture, decoration, linen and equipment if you wish, final cleaning and handover with you or your property manager. The house is ready to live in or to let.
A project on the doorstep of Ramatuelle
In La Croix-Valmer, the neighbouring town, a contemporary villa drawn in 3D before construction: a new build, a reworked infinity pool, complete interior and exterior design.
Frequently asked questions about a project in Ramatuelle
Can a villa in a Pampelonne estate be extended?
It depends on the zoning of the plot, the Coastal Law and the estate rules. Some plots still have building rights, others do not. We check the remaining building rights with the planning department before drawing, and prepare the prior declaration or the permit.
How do you design a villa for high-end summer letting?
By thinking about use first: independent en-suite bedrooms, an open, fully equipped kitchen, closed storage, generous outdoor spaces with pool and summer kitchen, hard-wearing, easy-care materials. We design for the demanding tenant without sacrificing the owner’s comfort.
When is the best time for works in Ramatuelle?
Off season, without hesitation. We study the project in autumn, carry out the works through autumn, winter and spring, and deliver before summer, when traffic towards Pampelonne and municipal orders would make a site impracticable.
Do you also work in Saint-Tropez, Gassin and La Croix-Valmer?
Yes. Ramatuelle is part of an area we cover entirely: Saint-Tropez, Gassin, Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Cogolin and La Croix-Valmer, where we delivered a contemporary villa.
Neighbouring areas
A project in Ramatuelle?
Let’s talk about your villa, bastide or village house. Confidential, no-obligation consultation, on site or by video call.
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