TIVOLI
It is in the authentic and vibrant neighborhood of Le Camas, one of Marseille’s most preserved districts, that Emma and Nicolas, a young couple of schoolteachers, chose to begin a new chapter of their lives. Each was already living here, with their own apartment, routines, and familiar landmarks. Then came a shared ambition: to bring their spaces and stories together, and create a home that truly reflected who they are.
Above all, it was a life project, one that required careful planning and perfect timing. And it all began with an encounter with a place: THE place. An elegant garden-level duplex became that place, almost self-evidently. Guiding them every step of the way was Alexia, from the sale of their two apartments to the purchase of this new green haven.
How did this shared life project come about?
E : We had already been living together for several years, but each in our own apartment. What’s quite funny is that we had both chosen the same neighborhood independently, long before we became a couple. We were living just three minutes apart.
Nicolas has two daughters, and we wanted to give them time to grow up within that arrangement. Then, after several years, bringing our lives together felt like the natural next step. We wanted to create a true family home for the four of us, every other week.
So we began looking within the neighborhood, without putting too much pressure on ourselves and allowing time for the right opportunity to come along. Above all, we wanted outdoor space, something that felt closer to a house, while remaining in the area where we already felt at home.
Why did you choose to stay in Le Camas?
N : Leaving the neighborhood was never really an option. Our routines were here, the girls’ schools were here, our friends and family were nearby… and above all, we simply felt at home.
E :We had considered other areas, such as Saint-Barnabé, but prices were far beyond our budget. In the end, we realized that Le Camas offered many properties with outdoor space, almost like small townhouses. It’s a lively neighborhood, yet it has managed to preserve its authenticity. We didn’t want to change everything at once.
“There is a genuine understanding of both places and people. Alexia knew how to guide us, reassure us, and support us through every step of the journey.”
You both sold your apartments with ARCHIK before purchasing your new home. How did you experience that stage of the journey?
E : It was definitely the most stressful part of the whole project. At first, we tried to sell Nicolas’s apartment, then mine, on our own in order to maximize our budget, but it simply didn’t work out.
N : We quickly realized that selling a property is a real profession. The photography, the presentation, the way a home is showcased… ARCHIK truly makes all the difference. Alexia also connected us with ARCHIK’s wider network, particularly a mortgage broker who was incredibly helpful throughout the process.
E : Yes, once Alexia got involved, everything started moving forward. She gave me advice even before I officially entrusted her with the sale of my apartment, purely out of professionalism. Then, as soon as she took over, offers started coming in very quickly, whereas I hadn’t received any before.
N : My apartment sold in no time, and Emma’s followed shortly after. It really secured the entire project. Looking back, we’re so glad we worked with her.
What convinced you to work with ARCHIK?
E : The human approach. We never felt like we were in a traditional client-agent relationship. Alexia was there from start to finish, incredibly reassuring, even during the more complicated moments, especially when it came to financing. We never felt alone, and trust came very naturally.
N : There’s a genuine understanding of both places and people. Alexia knew how to advise us and guide us every step of the way.
What did you feel when you first discovered this apartment?
E & N : It was love at first sight.
E : What’s funny is that we had seen it right at the beginning of our search… and then it slipped through our fingers. Later, while we were on holiday in Portugal, it came back on the market. At that point, we felt it couldn’t just be a coincidence.
N : When we visited it, it was even better than in the photos. We immediately pictured ourselves living there. I had initially thought I wanted a property to renovate, but it was so beautiful as it was that I was instantly won over.
E : It just felt obvious. The light, the generous volumes, the layout that allows everyone in our blended family to have their own space, our beautiful master suite… From that moment on, we knew we had to do everything we could to make it ours.
How did you envision the decoration of this new home? Where do your inspirations come from?
E : It was mostly a process of thoughtful adjustments. We had to merge two apartments into one, make choices, keep some pieces of furniture and let go of others. We wanted to preserve the soul of the place: the stonework, the natural materials, that warm, house-like feeling.
N : It’s a blend of old and contemporary influences, with a distinctly Mediterranean spirit.
E : And there are also more eclectic touches, with objects collected during our travels, especially from Morocco and various parts of Africa. We love mixing materials, textures, and unique influences.
N : There’s still more to do. We’re planning some bespoke features, including a second built-in masonry bookshelf to echo the first one, which we love. It will help accommodate our rather extensive collection of books.
What does this home represent for you today?
E : A point of balance. It’s where everything comes together: our lives, our family. There’s something deeply comforting about having built this project together.
N : It’s not just an apartment. It’s truly a life project.
THE 3 FAVORITES
FAVORITE ROOM
E : Without hesitation, the garden. I spend all my time there. Having a garden in the heart of the city is an incredible luxury. It’s peaceful, calming… it has become my refuge, my little paradise.
N : For me, it’s my armchair next to the bookshelf. That’s my reading corner.
Although, in the long run, I have to admit that the garden might become my favorite space too, especially if we manage to build a small pond.
EDITION ARCHIK
CONTREFORTS – Architecture céramique: :The bookend left a strong impression on us because of its raw clay finish and, of course, because we have an enormous collection of books.
NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE ADRESS
E : La pâtisserie Amandine. A true institution in the neighborhood, and Sistau, a small delicatessen and grocery store that’s perfect for impromptu aperitifs.
Interview and photo credits: Julie Fleutot