Thursday, September 9, 2010

French Farmhouse Redone

Jill Lawrence, an English textile designer and her husband owned a rustic farmhouse and over a 15 year period transformed it into what was just perfect for them.


The home is in the quiet little town of Bourg, 30 minutes north of Bordeaux - 
oh how I would love to bicycle in this beautiful countryside - a 1750's farmhouse expanded in the 19th century Girodine manner which is typical in this region.

Jill Lawrence here in her garden.



The pigeonnier, or dovecote with the small tower is now is home to Jill's painting studio.  The original home and much of the land surrounding it was owned by one of the principle winemakers in the region.  Around 1850 when the larger and more grandeur home was built, the house was named Domaine de la Croix de St. Michel. Over time the vines were replaced and pool and the gardens that slope down to a river.


Isn't this a spectacular entry? The chairs facing each other are communion chairs bought in the Cotswolds region in Britain.  The cabinet came from an antique store in Libourne.


This lovely 1850's burl walnut console can just come to my house!

Mr. Lawrence separated the original farmhouse from the main structure and this is the sitting room mixed with local antiques and heirlooms from his family.

One of the bedrooms in the cottage with hand painted drapes done by Jill Lawrence.

In the mainhouse I'm loving these 1930's club chairs.
Quite a mix of styles here.

Ms. Lawrence painted this beautiful antique extendable dining table.

The previous owner had a bit of artistic abilities as well, the ragged walls were inherited by the Lawrences.


Antique chests painted by Ms. Lawrence with a mix of natural linen from Ikea.


Walk in shower and huge soaking tub.  Clean lines.

article by Andrew Ferren
photos by Ed Alcock

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