The images of this stunning Provencal villa restoration are captivating! The result of a ten-year collaboration between designer/antique dealer/author Michel Biehn and the American owner of the villa, the renovation became as much a restoration as anything. Uncovering windows that had been covered for centuries and stone walls dating back as early as the eleventh century (the house began as a defensive tower back in the Middle Ages), opening up ceilings and doorways, rebuilding collapsed structures that connected different additions to the house were only a few of the challenges this dynamic team faced. "The main family came in the thirteenth or fourteenth century...Each generation seemed to open windows but close others, create a staircase or build a tower. Parts were destroyed in the Middle Ages. There was a fire in the nineteenth century, and the other tower was destroyed. The property is like an encyclopedia of French architecture," explains Biehn. Not only is the finished product structurally magnificent, but the interiors are an inspired combination of antiques, modern touches in rugs, artwork, and fabric, and vintage finds that are the hallmark of Biehn's work.
Take a look at these magnificent photos that capture this labor of love and tell me you aren't longing to spend a weekend in Provence.
This is the image that "got" me. :)
Quite possibly my favorite space.
Can't you picture yourself enjoying your morning coffee here?
Interior Design by Michel Biehn
Landscape Design by Michel Biehn, Jean-Claude Appy, and Marco Nucera
Photography by Peter Vitale
Article by Jean Bond Rafferty for Veranda, August 2010
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Did you know that this home is also shown in Michel Biehn's HEALTHY LIVING book? The photos were all done in this house. I highly recommend it. I enjoyed this and have a copy on the way to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Doris! I'll have to check it out-- such a gorgeous space...I'm still pouring over the photos myself!
ReplyDeleteAuthentic Provence offers the most distinctive in regards to the tradition and authentic French lifestyle. All garden antiques, planters and French limestone fountains and French limestone mantels are imported from France, Italy and England and are of highest quality. They offer an extensive inventory here in the US thereby eliminating delivery time delays with shipping provided by reliable transport companies across the US, the Caribbean and Canada. They have very friendly, knowledgeable and effective customer service. The owners are European and Wolfgang is an actual Art Historian. They also can study a specific request and if needed have the items custom made to the clients specification. Visit www.authenticprovence.com for more information.
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