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.
![_MG_6892](https://assets.apartmentapothecary.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MG_6892-682x1024.jpg)
Our trusty mode of transport.
![_MG_6895 French gite with wood burning stove](https://assets.apartmentapothecary.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MG_6895-682x1024.jpg)
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.
![_MG_6925 French gite with wood burning stove](https://assets.apartmentapothecary.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MG_6925.jpg)
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.
![_MG_6924 Ikea kitchen in french chateau gite](https://assets.apartmentapothecary.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MG_6924.jpg)
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.
![_MG_6905 Exposed beams in French chateau](https://assets.apartmentapothecary.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MG_6905.jpg)
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!