creating in normandy – made in perche

by Sharon Santoni

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I count myself lucky to have the gorgeous Jeni Maus of Found Vintage Rentals with me for   her brocante buying tour and we are having some very good fun and buying wonderful new pieces for her business back home.  I’ll be telling you more about her trip and her purchases soon, but in the meantime you may like to have a glimpse of where we stayed this week as we moved from one fair to another.

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In an area called the Perche, just adjacent to Normandy, there is a lovely guest house that belongs to a talented couple called Clarisse and Arnaud de St Martin.

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Clarisse and Arnaud both have an artistic eye, and today, as well as running two guest houses, they also create on a daily basis.

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Clarisse has a sure eye, and besides the stunning paint detail that she has added to their home, she also produces a beautiful line of bags and pillows made from grain sacks.  Her bags are sold on line under the name Made in Perche , as well as  in several local shops.

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Arnaud specialises in  old doors and in other old building materials and architectural details.   He has  a stock of 500 old doors at any time, and can source specific styles and sizes for clients.  You can see a selection on his facebook page.

old dorrs and frames in showroom

Their rental cottages are the perfect showrooms for their interior design work, and I can certainly testify as to how comfortable and stylish their cottages are, and how warm the welcome.  You can find more details on their facebook page here.

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When I am out on the road with professional clients, we have to optimize our time, while staying comfortable and well rested.   Sometimes if fairs or dealers take us too far afield, then it is better to stay overnight rather than head home each day.

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Arnaud and Clarisse’s cottages are ideal for me as they are situated half way between two huge professional fairs that take place each month.  We can shop all day, leave our purchases for the transporter to collect, get an early night and be ready to head off well-refreshed again the next morning.

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If you are a professional buyer and you would like to know more about filling a container in our part of France, then drop me an email and I’ll give you the details.

14 comments

bonnie April 17, 2015 - 9:32 am

Wonderful wall finishes. just enough pierre showing through. Very talented people, is there a website for their cottages?

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Our French Oasis April 17, 2015 - 10:48 am

What a fabulous place to stay, I loved looking at the photos. Equally loved seeing the old Citreon 2CV, I used to have one exactly the same colour, we called her Nelly! Now I want another, but not sure how practical it would be with five children – well I suppose they could learn to drive in it!!!

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Janet April 17, 2015 - 11:01 am

Fabulous pictures and what a lovely place to stay, could you give he details please and the fairs details please. It would be fantastic to go

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Arnaud de Saint Martin April 18, 2015 - 10:59 pm Reply
Vicky from Athens April 17, 2015 - 2:06 pm

Sharon – what a treat this morning to get a tour of that lovely cottage. It looks so comfortable and inviting. I’d love to stay there sometime! Thanks!

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suzanna April 17, 2015 - 3:37 pm

WOW Sharon, love it. As most know, I so want to go to France from Florida forever. I LOVE this….what a place to stay and perfect location when buying. Love this, merci ~ XO

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suzanna April 17, 2015 - 3:43 pm

LOVE the pillows yet can’t see the sight you sent…I clicked Made in Perche, it says page doesn’t exist…Love to look at them…wonder what their price is? Best I stay focused on my dream of coming to France and not buying stuff, LOL…..XOXO

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MADEinPERCHE April 18, 2015 - 10:56 pm Reply
suzanna April 17, 2015 - 3:50 pm

I figured if out Sharon, found the site, such cute bags. I love bags and always seem to have a need for another bag for stuff, amazes me! XOXO

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Karena April 17, 2015 - 5:25 pm

Sharon what a lovely offering, with the wonderful accommodations, location, and her goods!! I hope you have a wondrous weekend!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Designer Matthew Patrick Smyth

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sheri April 17, 2015 - 11:56 pm

Everything looks absolutely fabulous & fun!

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Dawn-Hydrangea Home April 18, 2015 - 2:18 am

I found this house when I was looking for rentals for our vacation a few years ago and fell in love! We ended up staying in Semur en Auxois. Love their style.

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Arnaud de Saint Martin April 18, 2015 - 11:02 pm

Thanks … Clarisse & Arnaud de Saint Martin.

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franki April 19, 2015 - 4:34 pm

You have MORE fun/work!! franki

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