Self-directed artist residencies and retreats from our architect-designed eco-villa in the South of France
10 years in the making, Villa Ossom is now ready to open it’s doors to visitors. The intention of the project has always been for it to become a place to be creative, to be peaceful, and to be inspired by the stunning natural, Provençal landscape that surrounds the property.
We want to share our little piece of heaven with you and your creative spirit, and are now offering the opportunity to be an artist in residence or retreat participant all year round. Stays at Ossom are best suited to those who have a self-directed artist practice and who want to immerse themselves in their personal practice in a tranquil setting.
What we offer at Ossom:
-
Artist Residencies
We provide accommodation for self-directed artist residencies. These range from 1 to 4 weeks. While here you can make use of the shared creative spaces in the house and grounds, shared use of the kitchen and your own private en-suite bedroom. Our artist-studio is still under construction but there’s plenty of space and many different spaces to get work from. Enquire here for more information.
-
Retreats
We held our first retreat here at Ossom in October 2023. The Scaravelli-inspired yoga and creative inquiry retreat was held over 5 days by Beatrix and her friend Rebecca, who then held a similar retreat in Spring 2024. We are open to others holding retreats here, so please get in touch if you have an idea you’d like to explore.
Ossom
The creation of Ossom from idea to inception has been a family affair. Life-long Francophiles, Jonathan and Katherine Bliss wanted to live out their years somewhere they could feel the warmth of the sun on their faces, and smell the salt of the sea in the air. When they found this hilltop paradise, they knew it was the place to plant this seed of a home and sanctuary. With the support of their daughters, Beatrix and Siân, they set out on what would turn out to be a decade-long adventure to bring Villa Ossom to life.
Jonathan, a dreamer and visionary, had the audacity to conceive of the idea, whilst Katherine, pioneering sustainable architect, envisioned the design of this building that hugs the land on which it resides. When the foundations were barely set, Jonathan had a brain aneurysm, and after trying his best to live from the depths of a coma for over 2 months, tragically died.
In the wake of a huge life-upheaval and journey of deep grief, the Bliss women set about completing the house, as part of Jonathan’s living legacy. This journey saw many challenges, twists and turns, and at times, it wasn’t certain whether completing it would be possible at all.
The three women have been on big personal journeys of transformation, within the container of this family project that has ultimately brought about a deep sense of healing. The house has really taken on a life of its own, choosing in its own way, to exist against all odds.
The Main House
The house fits like a jigsaw puzzle piece into its rocky surroundings. Made of eco-friendly and breathable materials, the house feels modern, light and spacious.
There is a shared kitchen, dining area and living room, as well as a mezzanine creative nook.
Bedrooms
There are up to five bedrooms which can be made up as super-king-size or two single beds. Our mattresses are handmade in Portugal from organic materials.
There are four en-suite bathrooms and a downstairs WC.
A desk in each bedroom.
The Grounds
Swimming pool, pool house with outdoor kitchen and outdoor living space.
Garden - our young and wild garden, with 360 degree views provides plenty of ‘plein-air’ space.Up to five bedrooms which can be made up as a double or as two single beds.
Creative Spaces
Studio Garage (to be completed in 2024, until then, we invite our artists to work in any of the spaces listed above, or in the garden). On completion, the studio garage will be suitable for writers, musicians, photographers, digital creators, yoga, dance and movement specialists.
Basement play-space to be completed in 2024.
Our Local Area
Our nearest village is Plan-de-la-tour, your quintessential provençal village. Our closest town in Stainte-Maxime, which offers a little more hustle and bustle, beaches as a port. From the port you can reach St. Tropez from there by ferry in 15 minutes.
The wine and food of the local area is spectacular and there is plenty to inspire you all around. Be that the rolling landscapes, historical landmarks and an abundance galleries and museums.
Transport
We recommend to travelling locally by car or bike. Ossom is located within a hamlet and is a 5 minute drive from the nearest shops and restaurants.
Our closest train station is Les Arcs-Draguignan and our nearest airports are Nice and Marseille.
Blisses
We are the Bliss family, Katherine (mother), Beatrix and Siân (daughters, sisters), and dogs Tiskit and Nanu. Tiskit lives permanently at Ossom with Katherine, while Nanu is there from time to time with Siân.
We are collectively passionate about art and design, good food and living with purpose.
All three women utilise Ossom for their creative endeavours, be that retreat hosting, art classes or a space to sculpt and paint.
You can read more about the three of us below.
-
Katherine Bliss
Architect and Sculptor
Katherine has recently retired from her career as a pioneering Architect designing sustainable buildings using eco-friendly materials, and creating building solutions suitable for people with disabilities. Her work has been featured in magazines such as The Times and TV shows such as Grand Designs. Looking forward, she aims to spend her time potting and sculpting with traditional mediums, such as clay and stone, and experimental materials such as lime-crete and clay concrete.
-
Beatrix Bliss
Facilitator
Beatrix designs experiences and holds spaces for people to have transformational experiences. She has been facilitating groups internationally for 20 years, psilocybin retreats for the best part of a decade, and acting in founding and leadership capacities for various social enterprises as well as psychedelic retreats companies, who’s retreats have featured in the Times, Guardian and Forbes. She is always developing her toolkit and approach, with nature-connection, ritual, live music and coaching to support her participants. Always learning, she is currently studying Afro-Brazilian musical and spiritual traditions, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Scaravelli-Inspired Yoga. She loves a good sail on the high seas, but these days you’ll find her navigating the wilds of Dartmoor where lives in a cottage by the River Teign.
-
Siân Bliss
Visual Artist
Siân is a multimedia artist based in London, renowned for her captivating installations and vibrant murals. Specialising in experimental animation for public spaces, Siân brings together a unique blend of artistry, technology, and a deep appreciation for nature to create multi-sensory experiences that evoke imagination within viewers. Siân has worked internationally for the past 10 years and her work has been featured in The Guardian.
Are you interested in what we do at Ossom?
You can read more about ways to get involved with Ossom as either an Artist in Resident, Retreat Participant or WorkAway by clicking the links below. If you’re interested in renting the house or running your own retreat please do get in touch.