Step inside Vipp’s historic Lagrasse guesthouse, captured by Danish content creator Ella Karberg

In the heart of southern France’s Corbières region, sitting along the Orbieu river and cradled by lush rolling hills, lies a medieval village so picturesque it has been named one of the most beautiful villages in the country. With roots stretching back to the eighth century, Lagrasse charms with its tranquil, serpentine cobblestone streets dotted with terracotta-roofed houses that brim with history. Life here doesn’t stop but adopts a gentle pace, inviting leisurely walks along its traffic-free streets, indulgent meals at quaint restaurants and endless discoveries at its boutiques and markets.

Considering its unique character, it’s hardly surprising that Danish design company Vipp chose Lagrasse as the location for its latest guesthouse, the 12th to join the brand’s roster of sleek retreats spread across the globe, from Tasmania and Sweden to Mexico. Yet it all began with a serendipitous encounter.

“It actually began as a coincidence,” recalls Kasper Egelund, CEO and third-generation Vipp owner. “We met the two wonderful owners [of the house] Peter and Christoff, and they came to us with the idea of creating a Vipp guesthouse in Lagrasse. Once we visited, we were absolutely stunned by the beauty of the village. There was no doubt in our minds – we knew we wanted to support the project.”

Set in central Lagrasse and offering sweeping views of the village’s bustling main square, the Vipp guesthouse occupies a rustic three-storey townhouse spanning 97 square metres, its origins tracing back to the 1350s. Its two-year renovation was carried out under strict conservation rules to preserve the building’s historic spirit while subtly integrating modern features. Visitors are greeted by a medieval-style stone façade, and upon stepping inside, refined, calming interiors, furnished with Vipp’s signature pieces, await. Vipp entrusted its longtime collaborator and interior designer, Julie Cloos Mølsgaard, with the delicate task of infusing the space with the brand’s distinctively Scandinavian feel while honouring its local heritage.

“When guests arrive, they immediately sense that this is a space shaped by both architecture and design,” Egelund continues. “For example, the mix of ancient stone walls with a sleek Vipp V3 kitchen in aluminum creates a striking and unexpected balance. It’s this blend that defines the experience.” Cloos Mølsgaard adds: “For this project, we looked to a focused set of materials: wood, stainless steel, marble, plastered walls, and coarse pebble floors. The idea was to create a sense of calm and coherence; a home that respects its surroundings and lets the history of the space form the foundation of design.”

Swathed in serene neutral hues and defined by clean lines, custom-made elements – such as the sculptural décor adorning the staircase crafted by local metalsmith, Alejandro Berconsky – mingle with Vipp’s best-sellers, like the round ‘Cabin’ table and the ‘Swivel’ chairs that adorn the airy dining area. The heart and soul of the space is the minimalist Vipp V3 kitchen, anchoring the ground level and crowned by a generous kitchen island. On the second and third floors, a light-filled master bedroom and bathroom form a peaceful haven for rejuvenation. “The interiors are perhaps a little more minimalistic than you would normally find in a traditional French house, but at the same time we’re celebrating the local context,” Egelund says. “We’re not trying to turn it into something purely Danish. It’s about creating an interesting meeting point between two design worlds.”

One lucky guest who recently got to experience the magic of Lagrasse and Vipp’s guesthouse is Danish photographer and content creator Ella Karberg, who visited with Karla Alajdi, her fellow co-founder of the brand Gem Wear, to gather inspiration for their upcoming campaign. During their stay, Ella captured the striking locale through her lens for this article. “It felt like stepping straight into a time capsule. The village itself had so much charm and character that we instantly felt like we were part of a romantic Jane Austen novel,” she muses. “And then, entering the townhouse, you’re surrounded by thoughtful design and an incredible amount of beautiful details. The contrast between the historic atmosphere of Lagrasse and the modern elegance of the interior was breathtaking.”

A devoted admirer of Vipp, Karberg even has her own ‘Swivel’ chair that graces the bedroom of her Copenhagen abode. Visiting the Lagrasse townhouse, she was struck by “how naturally the Vipp kitchen and furniture blended into the historic setting, as if they had always belonged there,” marvelling at the way the house’s nostalgic, cosy feel harmonised with the design that “felt incredibly Scandinavian and contemporary.” As for her favourite nook of the place? “The Vipp kitchen, without a doubt,” she says. “Even though we aren’t exactly professional chefs, this kitchen made us want to cook and experiment. The sleek aluminum cabinets paired with the raw, old brick walls created such a unique vibe. It was the perfect example of old meeting new, and it truly became the heart of our stay – a place where we gathered, talked, and shared meals.”

Karberg left Lagrasse feeling recharged and inspired (“The natural scenery was incredible. The lake with the castle in the background felt like a dream – I’ve been searching for a setting like that for years”), captivated by how Vipp balanced preserving a slice of history with elevating it through a Nordic lens. Much like Karberg, Egelund hopes that the townhouse – which can be booked by anyone – will leave future guests with cherished memories.

“I hope they leave with unforgettable memories,” he says. “The village square, with its weekly market full of fresh vegetables, is such a unique experience. Simply walking the medieval streets, surrounded by buildings that date back more than a thousand years, gives you a sense of history that stays with you.”

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