The full version of this article originally appeared in the March/April issue of the My French Country Home Magazine. To subscribe and read the article, click HERE. By Pippa Huet
Laurence du Tilly is a women with an eye. An eye for style, presentation and authentic home living.
Swapping her Parisian life in advertising and food styling for a return to her native town of Caen, Normandy, Laurence turned to a different kind of life: hosting.
In the heart of Caen’s Old Town, near place Saint-Sauveur, Chez Laurence du Tilly is a 19th century hôtel particulier renovated into three private apartments. Each with their own kitchen, bathroom, dining and seating area, Chez Laurence mixes the privacy of renting with the hotel-like perks of delicious food, luxurious linens, log-fire kits and private yoga sessions or Ayurvedic massages.
The cliché “make yourself at home” is, at the best of times, overused; at the worst, an casual offer of complete autonomy. Laurence welcomes guests into her vision of home, each apartment can fit up to 4 people making it ideal for families as well as couples and individuals.
Eclectic design, with a personal touch
Each apartment is attentively decorated, featuring a mixture of designs from different periods that keep things cozy rather than contemporary. Pendant lighting from Helsinki, rotin fixtures from China, wooden tribal figurines and animal skulls from Africa. Each room is an express world tour and rife with personal touches: framed photos, family heirlooms, travel souvenirs. “I decorated to please myself first. Everything is here because I love it. Sometimes I swap pieces out of my own home and virtually everything has a story or memory behind it.”
Beyond Laurence’s love for interior design, this was the goal for the whole project. To offer a temporary home, which guests could make their own – if only for a while.
Images by Franck Schmitt
16 comments
wonderful idea for a private getaway. Thank you so very much.
I love Laurence’s sense of style and those incredible stone arch ceilings are fabulous! Thank you for sharing this Sharon.
Wish there were more photos! The story ended too soon.
How would I contact her to make a possible reservation?
Hi Frances, her website is: https://chez-laurence.dutilly.eu/ (and there is a version in English!). Please let us know if you decide to stay in one of her beautiful apartments, we would love to hear about it! – Emily @ MFCH
If you go there be sure and go to the Peace Museum. It tells the WWll story from all sides and is one of the most interesting history museums I have attended.
How do I get a print subscription of your magazine.
Hi Peggy, the print version is not yet available for purchase but will be soon! Head to this page https://sharonsantoni.com/mfch-digital-magazine/ and add your name to the email list to be the first to know when the print subscription is available. – Emily @ MFCH
OMG that barrel-vaulted cave is gorgeous! It looks like a wonderful place. Being in the hosting business myself, I have to say, it’s a great métier for anyone who has a passion for culture and who loves working with people. I can imagine she is aux anges with her new lifestyle.
I paid for a magazine a long time ago and have heard nothing ?????
Hi Virginia, sending you an email right now! – Emily @ MFCH
My French Bucket List is near to the top and nearly ALL my inspiration and “gotta do” things have come from your suggestions and the information from this wonderul Blog. If I did not have a 6 year old Grandson that pulls at my heart strings every day I would be over there like a flash. Soon though. Thank you Sharon for everything.
I was so excited to receive Sharon’s on-line magazine so also paid for a subscription but have not received anything since the first issue. I am very disappointed and cannot afford to purchase something only to never receive it. I reluctantly must contact my credit card company to dispute the charge before it is too late.
Hi Donann, so sorry to hear you’ve had issues reading the magazine online. I’ll send you an email right away with information about how to access it! – Emily @ MFCH
A BEAUTIFUL HOME. THAT WOULD BE A LOVELY PLACE TO STAY.
JOB VERY WELL DONE. THANKS FOR SHARING.
RITA PARKER
Please keep the articles about stylish French girlfriends coming! I have your book and I absolutely love reading about them .
Gabrielle