A southern aura..... and Simplicity

Our  'Gite'

outdoor

Hibiscus

together....

...with Olive trees.

When we planted them about 10 years ago they were small shrubs

which have developed into trees,

 an olive grove 'en miniature'...

....giving, depending on the weather, a fair amount of olives.

 Chamaerops humilis

Dwarf fan palm

Lavender, of course....!

Hydrangeas 

which...

...are already fading away because of the unusually hot dry weather at the moment!

It's cooler indoors....

part of the living area...

...simply furnished;
the loose covers are made of old linen sheets
which are very practical because they can be washed in the highest temperature without shrinking!

The 'remains' of what was originally the old bread oven from the 18th century.

"avoiding any 'clutter'....."

Some modern pieces....

and a  few Antiques here and there....

Pair of 1940's Italian metal sconces

A French Louis XVI. mirror, ca. 1790-1800, in one of the bed rooms

part of the master bedroom...

 ...with a large and highly comfortable double bed

Here as well....simple, fresh and airy.

All curtains made of old French  'fil de lin Draps'.

A modern cupboard of which the interior shelving, the ends and the back came from Ikea.

The doors which we had specially made by our local ebeniste I  lined with linen hemp.

Sea-grass carpet throughout.

- all natural -

19th century French garden tables on each side of the bed 

which I painted in a metallic gold and then patinated.

The lamp bases are made of a pair of American silver vases from the 1920's

and the shades are hand made and painted.

Early 19th century French doors which we bought before the restoration

and the openings were built to fit these doors.

Bathroom with a large 'walk-in-shower' area,

walls and sink finished in a kind of 'tadelakt'

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Fully equipped kitchen

again - just simply furnished with a late 18th century French table, 

late 19th century English chairs, and the built-in units give a contemporary touch.

 outside next to the kitchen door wonderful flowering Oleander

A simple bunch of wild flowers on an 18th century Swedish side table

and in front of a French wrought iron mirror from the 1920's,

is welcoming our guests at their arrival.

A French 'garden ensemble', around 1900

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Lavender, Phormium, the palm tree...

 Chamearops humilis....

...olive trees,

and a herbal border....

 ...with its mix of captivating scents, here of Rosemary,

 different varieties of Sage....

....which all together provide around the pool a southern feeling.

Our Gite is one of our old limestone outbuildings, dating from the late 17th century

and has been enlarged and carefully restored by us, maintaining all traditional features.

The original character of old stone houses in the region has been retained,

but now allows for today's standard of comfort.

The interior has a simple but charming country elegance with a contemporary touch.

It offers simplicity and charm for those with eclectic taste

who want a traditional holiday home with the convenience of modern living

and something more extra special.

La Pouyette - an invitation to re-discover the real 'art of life',

a recipe of bien-etre and taste; too often forgotten in these days.

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Our Holiday House was featured in the German magazine Wohnen Traeume

here

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More about the restoration and history in a future post.

Bonne Semaine!