REAL LIFE


Clockwise from above: The couple enjoy entertaining in the covered exterior area next to the barn; good food with friends and family gathered around the kitchen table are key to Beatrice and Arnaud’s home; the calm and simple decor continues into the guest bedroom; and the bathroom


summer decorating, plus we were more than happy to use local craftsmen. We had the electrics and bathrooms updated, and then it was just a matter of cosmetic changes. The style of the decor was quite 1970s and old-fashioned – everything was green and yellow with dark beams,” explains Beatrice, “so we decided to go for a simple scheme throughout with shades of white and grey.” They used La Chaux paint,


which is made from lime and natural pigments. “We wanted to be faithful to the period and location of the property, and this paint is a traditional choice,” she says. In addition, they opted for a classic French wall decoration, which is to have a darker shade painted on the bottom third of a wall, with a lighter hue above. The beams were also given


a fresher look. “Painting them white brightened up every


room, which was great as light is important to us and something we really miss in our London home,” says Beatrice. To complete the look, they only used minimal furnishings to enhance the feeling of space and calm. “By the second summer, the


house was finished and the garden, which was originally quite messy, was a slightly tamer area with raspberries, apricots and a herb patch. Together with a swimming pool, it really is a wonderful place for people to gather – it’s now a party house once more.” “We like to lend the house to


family, particularly nephews and nieces who have their friends over to stay. We celebrated Arnaud’s 40th birthday party here with 70 guests. We had long tables covered in checked cloths in the cobbled courtyard, used the playroom as a dance area and everyone dressed up in a


32 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 2023


© ROBERT SANDERSON /LIVING4MEDIA


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