gentle living in south west france

by Sharon Santoni

How charming are these pictures of a 18th century home, restored and decorated to create a comfortable family home.  What I especially love is the way that so many old pieces of furniture and objects are used, effortlessly.

The sort of items I love to buy in my local brocante fairs and flea markets.  Living proof that it’s not because it is old, it can’t find a place in a family home today.

The chair above is just like the pair I found in local market last week, in fact I think I may use this idea of toile de jouy to recover the seat.

I particularly love the pastel colours, the soft sunlight, and the clever use of space in the kitchen.  The soft beige stone of the outside of the house is typical of the area in south west France, known as Gironde.

Beside this old armchair, is a delightfully faded painted panel on the wall.  Quite possibly original to the house.

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The kitchen is just the right size, and I love the butchers block placed beside the range.  Those old copper saucepans have never really lost their popularity, and are something I often buy here for clients.  Same for the old baskets hanging from the ceiling.  I could even source old blue and white tiles to reproduce this charming backsplash around the range.

lovely colours in the bathroom and outside…
on deliciously vintage chairs that can be snapped up every weekend here …
 the perfect place for tea!
Wishing you a little vintage gentleness today.[blank]

all photos thanks to Campagne et Decoration[blank]

33 comments

Lost in Provence May 31, 2012 - 9:25 am

I'll take that gentleness, thank you Sharon! 🙂

I love this house. My goodness, that kitchen!! And the proportions of the rooms, the palette. The parquet! All just right up my alley (save the clock in the dining area–I never do 'get' the use of those industrial clocks, just me).

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Mise May 31, 2012 - 11:39 am

It looks beautifully elegant and gracefully weathered, a very tranquil and happy house.

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Apple Blossom Barn May 31, 2012 - 1:11 pm

Everything is so beautiful like your blog is, I have been admiring your posts of your peonies, my favourite!

Denise

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Pamela RG May 31, 2012 - 1:15 pm

The house is lovely and seems so light. I love the kitchen and the outside patio.

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Linda (Nina's Nest) May 31, 2012 - 1:29 pm

Love this area of France. I did a 3 weeks study in Pau and traveled the surrounding area. Love that kitchen – oh, my word! Linda

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PURA VIDA May 31, 2012 - 2:57 pm

such pure comfort and pleasing feelings

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La Dolfina May 31, 2012 - 3:05 pm

So beautiful!!

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Marie Wreath May 31, 2012 - 3:14 pm

Thank you for the gentle wish, and what a nice collection of inspiring images… I love to shop old but beautiful, too, and I love that last photo perhaps the best. A small, lushly dressed table in the midst of a garden, not perfectly manicured but healthy and wild and happy. Beautiful.

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kathy peck May 31, 2012 - 3:44 pm

Beautiful and charming.

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The Blue Farmhouse May 31, 2012 - 4:36 pm

French country and shades of blue sprinkles everywhere in your post from doors, to shutters, tile and flowers….and that's what makes me say Oo..la la.:) I already found my vintage gentleness!

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Sarah Malone May 31, 2012 - 4:54 pm

Ah, what I really want to shop for when visiting in September….a french farmhouse to restore! I always think anything is possible Sharon!
This is all so me 🙂

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Anonymous May 31, 2012 - 4:58 pm

This so beautiful. I may just leave it on my computer all day and look at it from time to time.

Sheree

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Terri ~the dressed up cottage May 31, 2012 - 5:29 pm

Beautiful pictures. I was transported, and I didn't want to come back. Ha ha

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Kim @ La Belle Époque May 31, 2012 - 5:32 pm

Lovely, lovely post, Sharon!

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Kris May 31, 2012 - 5:41 pm

Beautiful images, I am in love with all of them. I like to see fabric that is curtained and used instead of doors in kitchen and bathrooms. I also love the beautiful blue tiles behind the stove and the layout of the kitchen. Sigh….

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Kimberly May 31, 2012 - 6:15 pm

What a calming post…love these photos! A nice reprieve from my AZ desert. Thanks so much for sharing.

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kabayoz May 31, 2012 - 8:46 pm

simply alluring…like most things French 🙂

beautiful pictures…truly convey the authentic beauty and simplicity of this gentle home

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Anna-Mari May 31, 2012 - 8:58 pm

Ooooh I love the house photos and the Gironde area of France… (just a bit northeast of Gironde bay) We were there for two weeks last summer. Oh, heaven! Our rental old stone house was also beautiful and sooo cozy!

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I Dream Of May 31, 2012 - 9:21 pm

Hi Sharon, Sending some vintage gentleness back to you, too. This post is lovely – what a gorgeous home and such a great example the patina and interest a few finds can add to a room. Love the kitchen – the back splash and copper pots remind me of Monet's kitchen. Have a beautiful day!

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The Snowdrop Project May 31, 2012 - 9:51 pm

What a beautiful post.
The house looks delightful-thank you so much for sharing with us.
Hope you have a lovely day.
Lizx

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LA VIE EN ROSE May 31, 2012 - 11:06 pm

I LOVE this house, you're right it does say gentle vintage! Heavenly!

Sharon
xxxx

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kim May 31, 2012 - 11:08 pm

Love all the pictures, but my favorite is the kitchen! What a dream to be cooking in it right now!

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Vicki May 31, 2012 - 11:25 pm

That soft blue does something to me (something good); it's so soothing. Nothing about this home or this post I don't love! The faded, painted panel is precious. Thank you for sharing these beautiful images today. You have endless, fresh inspiration for us.

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My Grama's Soul June 1, 2012 - 12:37 am

I' lovin' that blue soaking tub in the bathroom……too yummy.

xo

Jo

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Betsy Brock June 1, 2012 - 4:17 am

oh my…everything is just beautiful!

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Ashley June 1, 2012 - 4:42 am

These photos are just beautiful and I adore your blog =) Wishing you a lovely weekend, Ashley

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Atelier de Campagne June 1, 2012 - 6:17 am

Gorgeous posting as always Sharon. I so hope we can meet you this summer. We have a couple of days between LeMans and Beziers and plan to drive along the Normandy Coast! Wishing you health and peaceful moments.

Trino and Team Atelier

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Leslie June 1, 2012 - 7:12 am

I love the vintage French with the bits of blue. Wonderful kitchen! I agree with regards to the size and placement of the butcher block. The second image (with the table) looks stunning with the light shinning on it, and the outdoor sitting area is perfect for a meal or cup of tea.

leslie

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boomgaard June 2, 2012 - 9:25 pm

Even langs al je post heen gelopen en elke post is even boeiend. Je hebt ook een prachtige tuin,joh. Je boekenpost vond ik ook erg leuk.

Groet,

marieke.

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Stickley Chairs June 3, 2012 - 5:12 am

My mom has those chairs! .. outside tea picture … your place is so absolutely beautiful, you are very blessed indeed.

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Rowan June 7, 2012 - 6:59 pm

Lovely photos, I particularly like the last two – the bathroom is gorgeous.

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