I think that many of us are nearing some form of exhaustion or the other at this point in the year, so I have prepared a series of posts that I wish will be a calming visual treat for you.
Many of you will remember my friend Anthony’s charming house that was for sale – it was one of my most visited entries from this year!
Yes, that house has sold and for a very good reason.
Anthony and his partner have taken on a new project, one that is, without a doubt, the most exceptional renovation project that I have ever seen in Provence.
This very large hôtel particulier has quite a history. Built at around 1750, under the full influence of Louis XV, the property was owned by only two families for many, many years.
It was home to two interesting activities which I will tell you about in later posts.
But what is most amazing about this gorgeous home and garden…
…is that it is nearly entirely dans sans jus…
…everything needs to be done, in the best possible way…
…and this home wisely chose two owners who will completely respect its patina and innate beauty. I am in heaven every time that I visit…
…which has been quite a bit! I have been photographing the house since last April and have over 500 images to date. Much has already changed since then and this incredible maison is now safe and secure for the winter. But the renovation continues…would you like to follow along on their adventure?
And so I will begin to share this happy story with you over the holidays, for I can think of no better present than to – hopefully – set you dreaming!
With all of my Very Best from Provence,
Wishing you and your a very Joyeux Fêtes!
Heather
Loved this post. I too am looking forward to the renovation. We have rented several places in Provence…and even though I don't believe in ghosts….. I certainly feel a presence in homes this old, or maybe it is just my vivid imagination!!
Yes, yes, yes. Gorgeous photos. Can't wait to see the progress.
Sandra Sallin
Thank you for sharing this renovation. I love the building – the architecture is stunning. In what town is it located? My husband and I fantasize about doing exactly this- finding an exquisite home and restoring it to its glory.
Thank you, beautiful friend. I really hope to see you this year! Sending so much Love right back to you…
I am lucky that they are willing to let me share this with you! Maybe you can visit it next spring? heehee 😉
You will like this adventure, methinks. 🙂
I LOVED seeing the patina of your floor in the Christmas photo that you sent (and of course, seeing Rèmy too!!).
Gros Bisous
Of course they do! Ben is SO smart – it is amazing – that he knows that Christmas is a special day when we start opening all of the presents. He didn't get a new stuffed toy this year – the safe ones are hard to find in France – but they both got so many treats throughout the day that finally we had to stop!!
And it will be over the long haul. I love their dedication.
Bisous!
(hope you are getting some respite from work!)
Oh my gosh, you are so welcome Laura! I hope that you had a beautiful Christmas in Sante Fe (it must be gorgeous there, no?) and have a fabulous New Year too.
Yes, I have loved getting to know Anthony and his partner for so many reasons and am so grateful for their friendship. That their taste is exquisite is just the icing on the cake. I think you will like Anthony's new project for this house – a project within a project!
I think that quite a lot of people did Ali! As it was 2am our time, I just said an extra long version of my daily "prayer" for her upon waking the next morning. So lovely to imagine though…so many people, near and far…it was a great idea.
Thank you SO much Loree. Sending wished for a very Happy New Year to you and your family on Malte!
I just need to find the time to post more, C but I will!
Merry Belated Christmas! 🙂
Supermodel "bones"! Thank you wonderful one, I hope you had a great Christmas.
I can just imagine, Judith! Hope you have rested up a bit…
Already working on a visit… 😉
Darling Heather,
I hope your Christmas was filled with joy, but most of all I hope your new year will overflow with happiness and fulfilment in all the ways you wish. You are beautiful, talented and passionate you can make your dreams come true.
We will definitely see each other this year. Let's make that promise. Lunch in Paris perhaps with the girls?
Lots of love toujours,
Tishxo
Oh Heather how I love this post for the simple purpose, if I can't be in Provence renovating my own manor then I shill live through your photos of Anthony's journey. Thankyou for taking me along, Suzana xxx
Such a tease! I thought we were going to see renovations in the post and then I was, like, "hey!". But I'm in agreeance – if the unrestored pics are this good…
Merry, Merry Christmas to my favorite blogger and sister in the whole world!!!!!
Wishing You, Remi, Ben and Kipling a Very Happy Holiday Season!
These images are gorgeous. Just what the doctor ordered!
Wishing all of you a very happy and healthy holiday season.
xoxo
what beautiful colors! joyeux fêtes a vous deux.
Such beautiful photographs! Can't wait to see more!
Thank you Heather! Joyeux Noel!
Shireen
I wish you and Remi the best holiday celebrations.
Keep warm.
Glorious photos…magical colours….always a 'thank you for sharing'….wishing you and your ,including the doggies…..a wonderful Happy and Healthy New Year……and a very Merry Christmas!
Joy
Joheux Noel to both of you! and to the dogs!
wonderful idea — my favorite Christmas present so far 🙂 How fun it will be to see this gorgeous place evolve through your eyes.
Incredible atmosphere. Lucky house, having seen the former home of its new owners. Wondered why they would sell such a precious place, now I know … and understand as I have restored houses in the US. Always keep original fabric intact if at all possible. With the old French hotels there can be so many layers to identify. I envy them! And would love to meet them.
bonnie
Oh my, I would rather say "Mon Dieux"!
It looks incredible. How can one leave a house like this to rotten uninhabited. But then its good that the right owners found it. Those volets verts… Wonderful. Looking forward for your series Heather! Thank you for that present. (:
Merry Chrismas again to you and your familiy!!!
Silke
it looks amazing already and I gather this is the before pics right? hehe
Wishing you and yours a merry xmas!
Mais oui! I'll gladly follow along as you reveal more about this house. I'm loving those saturated colours and the patina of the years.
Merry Christmas, Heather, et Joyeux Noel!
Fabulosa!!! Can't wait to see every step of the way. The colors are so beautiful – anxious to see how they make repairs, yet keep the essence of the colors and that blue and green vibe. Looks like a tremendous amount of work ahead but it sounds like it will be a labor of love for them both! Photos are beautiful. Joyeux Noel a tous!
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!I could MOVE IN like this!YES, and maybe have them start an INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT TO SHOW THE PROGRESS???THAT would be something.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE TO YOU!!!!REMEMBER TO TWIRL FOR ELLIE!!!!!!!!
XOXOXO
you could not have chosen a better gift!! Looking forward to watching this unfold!! xoxo
Would I like to follow along on their adventure? A huge yes! My goodness, what beautiful patina. Can't wait to see what they do courtesy of what I know will be exquisite photographs by you. As our place is the same age (1640s) I'm thrilled to get ideas. Even if a lottery win is still needed!
Joyeux Noel Heather, Remi, Ben, and Kipling.
What beautiful colours in its fading elegance! Look forward to seeing the ongoing changes and blossoming of this home…
Wishing a very happy Christmas to you and Remi. Do the doggies get a special Christmas treat?
Cheers,
Deb C – Melbourne
My very favorite kind of story. I cannot wait to see the restoration, the transformation, the return to glory. Something to look forward to! xxxx
Thoroughly enjoyed the last renovation that you posted on Anthony's former house. Thank you for sharing this one and showing the early stages. As I said the last time, these two people have an amazing sense of design and their interiors are exquisite!
Wishing you, Remi and the puppers a wonderful holiday season!
Thanks for providing all of us with your inspirational and interesting posts during 2015.
Laura in Santa Fe
What a wonderful present. Lucky us to have this to look forward to. Thanks Heather.
Everyone remember to twirl for Ellie….
Ali
I love the colours. It looks like such a vibrant house. I can't wait to read your posts about it. In the meantime, I would like to wish you and Remi a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year. Hugs to Ben and Kipling.
Swoon worthy! Can't wait for more.
Merry Christmas!
Can't wait to see. Looks quite promising.
Merry Christmas, Heather!
I'm in and it couldn't have come at a better time, given we are readying our own little house before we put it on the market. And, you have not idea how well your opening line hit the nail on the head for me today, and I wish you could have heard my weary chuckle when I read it.
Those colours… that green… What a fabulous project! I hope one day I can take a little peak… 🙂
xxv