That French villa in Downton Abbey movie? You can rent it for US$52K a week with five-star service on a par with that of luxury hotels
- A new breed of luxury holiday-lease companies rents out dream homes in exclusive destinations that come with 5-star chefs and other services top hotels provide
- Combining the privacy and space of a holiday lease with the amenities of a deluxe hotel is a growing trend post-Covid-19, one that hotel groups have tapped into
“I’ve come into possession of a villa in the South of France,” announces the Dowager Countess of Grantham in the upcoming film Downton Abbey: A New Era. And you can, too – complete with a butler and other staff – at least for a few nights, or several weeks.
The Côte d’Azur villa featured in the film is just one of the exclusive private homes available to rent through Homanie, one of a new breed of luxury holiday-lease brands providing service on a par with a luxury hotel.
Launched in March 2021, the company’s remit covers dream homes with incredible views in exceptional locations, and it handles some 50 privately owned properties in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
To those who book this accommodation, Homanie offers “five-star service by The Homanists – women and men who are selected for their expertise”: chefs, housekeepers, gym trainers and yoga instructors.
The package costs an average of €50,000 (US$52,500) to €60,000 a week in summer, with some properties charging €180,000 a week.
