Last summer we went on a road trip through France. We ended up at a vineyard called Chateau de Claribes near Bordeaux, that makes delicious wine. It was French heaven and our gite was a beautiful example of sympathetic restoration. I hope this post shows you how a very old building can be modernised without losing any of its charm or character.

Our trusty mode of transport.

The sitting room has exposed stonework and beams, a wood burning stove and a cool tiled floor. The warm but neutral colour palette allows the original features to be the main focal points.

The open-plan layout downstairs enables light to flood in. The furniture and curtains have been kept minimal and simple so as not to take away from the wonderful interior.

A simple Ikea kitchen, though modern, works well in this old building as the wooden work top ties in with the exposed beams and old wooden dining table and chairs.

The exposed brick of the chimney comes up from the kitchen into the bedroom creating a wonderful original feature.
I wish I was there now…
This looks worth a visit and a taste!