The House Next Door

 

 

The house next door, that we bought and renovated in 2016 has seen a steady stream of guests. It has been a pleasure meeting so many of you. I finally got around to taking some photos. Rene did a fabulous job, making it new without taking its spirit away.

 

The dining room and kitchen are in the same room. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you who have been following my blog forever, you will notice pieces of furniture that use to be in our home that now reside in this home. The fainting chair in the background was given to me by friends years ago (Victor). I had Melaine's dad reupholster.

One friend to another, a circle of friendship. Interconnected giving and receiving.

Such happiness in this blogging community.

  The dining room and kitchen are in front of this photo, the bathroom is  where the door is opened.

 

 

 

 

 

The tiled floor looks like wood. They are textured so they appear to be true. I had the joints made smaller, and used a darker stained grout.

 

 

 

Everything in the house was found at the brocantes. 

 

 

 

The ceiling. I love it. There used to be hideous foam board ceiling that I had removed. It never occurred to me that this beautiful ceiling was underneath it. What a pearl! Or as I say "Bingo"!

The back wall that Rene calls, "The modern Monet", was layers and layers of old chalk paint that was covered with multi-layers of wallpaper. When Rene gently peeled it away this is what he found.

We kept it.

 

 

 

 

 

The kitchen counter and backsplash are tadelakt:

"Tadelakt (tadla:kt) is a waterproof plaster surface used to make baths, sinks, water vessels, interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roofs, and even floors. It is made from lime plaster, which is rammed, polished, and treated with soap to make it waterproof and water-repellant." via wiki

The cupboards and fridge are behind those curtains

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the shelving I used old beat up scaffolding boards, of course I cleaned and dry waxed them before putting the ironstone on them. The top decorative piece is the only piece left from an 18th century armoire. I mixed a tad bit of paints together and dry waxed it too, it was dark brown before.

The curtains my Belle-Mere made as I wanted to hide the fridge and cupboards.

 

 

 

The door by the kitchen leads to a small terrace, and outside.

The window looks into our garden.

The bathroom is on the left side of the kitchen pass the fainting chair.

Left to the table are the stairs that go up to the bedroom, it is the same surface as downstairs.

 

The bathroom has an oversized 1800s copper tub, with a shower head.

 

 

 

 

Upstairs is the bedroom. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xxx

 

 

 

 

If you would like to come stay in our village which is a very French,

 non-touristic, off the beaten path sort of place let me know. 

It rests at the base of Saint Baume with protected foothills behind it, miles of trails and nature walks.

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Diogenes]

Corey, it's beautiful. I love the way you've done it. I especially like the painting above the bleached commode.

[Kathie B]

Is this house the one to the left or the right of yours (as on faces your house from the street)?

It's true -- Corey's village is totally non-touristy, a characteristic we find so enjoyable! Plus, it's only a short walk to the bakery :-)

[Kathie B]

Ack, I just washed my fingers and I can't do a thing with them! Should read:

...as one faces your house from the street.

[s/e]

Love the paintings you have added to the living room since we were there in October. Looks lovely.

[Our French Oasis]

It is so pretty and gorgeous, I am often asked for places to stay around the country so it is great to have somewhere in Provence I can recommend!

[Jacklynn Lantry]

I affectionately refer to this as "my apartment." I stayed for 7 weeks last fall and can attest to the serenity and beauty of the apartment, the village and the landlords:) Best bits:
Many hours gazing out the windows, watching the weather move in over the mountain.
Lots of great bakeries, a "convenience" store that sells great wine and tasty cheeses,
"Stroll-able" streets with a photo worthy picture every couple feet.
Keeping time by the toll of the church bells.
Watching the petanque players every afternoon.
Hearing the children play at the local school.
The kids on halloween! "Mischief or sweets:)"
Having Corey pop in every so often, it's like your sister stopping by!
Being able to talk to Corey, Yann and the kids and get a true perspective of French life.
Walking through the hills, brushing by loads of wild rosemary and taking in the heady scent.
The pizza truck! One, hot from the wood-fired oven slice could feed 2 people.
The honey store, 4 generations of amazing honey topped off with a spectacular vendeuse.
Smelling the home cooks whip up magic every day as you walk by the open windows, shutters parted to the sides.
Snippets of neighbors conversations (in french) drifting into the windows.
Following the villagers as they make their way to a gathering to honor soldiers, sipping wine and having canapes and listening to the speeches.
Taking the free bus to Auriol, hopping off at every village on the way to explore.
Taking a train to Marseille for $3.
Going to a catholic mass, in an ancient church.
I could go on and on, but I'm taking up too much space.

[Kiki]

YESSSSS..... Beautiful, the real stuff!
We both seem to have very talented mother-in-law's.... Mine was with us for 8 days and she did some sewing too!!!!! I can't even thread a needle anymore, such is my eyesight.
Very beautifully turned out little nest - BRAVO

[Kiki]

And René was right - visited Giverny (Monet's garden and house) with mother in law 10 days ago and your walls have a Monet'y look :) :) :)
This guy really, really is a PEARL ! Look well after him (I know you do!)

[Taste of France]

It's very charming, so full of history.

[Teresa Cesario]

It leaves me without words! Everything that i see is quite Heavenly Corey. How I dream of staying there one day. It's truly unforgettable. Thank you for sharing!

[Mardog]

I think this will work for Franco Bolla and me! As always, your creative mind does beautiful work.

[Kathie Grignon]

Hi Corey. Do you have any openings next year? Dates for me are pretty open yet.
Thank you.

[Elaine H.]

I love it all but what you did with the walls was brilliant and so beautiful.

[TerriNTexas]

Wow! Just beautiful & so "French". Love the Fainting Chair!

[Kathy]

You have a magical element to you that allows you to turn a place, into a welcoming setting anyone would be privileged to visit, even if for a moment.

Your an artist and poet in a different way, I'm looking forward to actually meeting you one day and absorbing being in a Corey home.

[Jan]

Perfect recollection of St. Z.

[Jan]

Corey is most definitely an artist and poet and combines the two arts so beautifully!

[Jan]

It's just lovely, Corey.

[Shelley Noble]

A. Mazing! ZING!! Gorgeous. the only place to stay in the South of France to really have the French feeling in life. It's beautiful, Corey. Brava!

[Sharon Morrison]

Beautiful as I knew it would be. Very inviting. Someday before I can't, I should stay here for a bit.

[Roberta Manly]

Love it!