Tuesday, July 16, 2013

17th Century France


Bonjour from beautiful France!  I have been staying in this gorgeous Chateau in the valley of Haute Savoie in the Rhone  Alps region of eastern France.  Andrew, Georgiana and I have come on holiday and whilst Andrew is doing his cycling section of the holiday,
 we have had the privilege of staying in this incredible 17th century chateau.  Andrew's sister and her husband own it and have renovated parts of it with more still to do.  They have done a fabulous job especially having to co-ordinate the interior design and building works from London. 


The gardens and grounds of the chateau are stunning and actually quite English in style with climbing roses, stocks and foxglove running riot.  The grounds boast a tree that is over 300 years old with its branches and greenery still rich and strong.  The tree is above just to the left of the chateau.


The formal gates herald the entry to the back part of the chateau with the gravelled driveway bordering the lawn.  The pillars and finials would have been crafted by the local stonemasons in the village.


The pale blue shutters sit softly against the stone facade...








The chequered flagstones are cool underfoot ....


The chateau dates back to 1676 and this is stamped in the lintel above the main doorway ... surrounded by climbing roses ... 


This is one of the girls' bedrooms and Gabes has done a fantastic job of designing and creating these bunkbeds in alcoves and using the gorgeous blonde oak which works so beautifully with the Gustavian blue paint and herringbone sisal flooring.  The work was done by a master French craftsman.



The rooms are charming.... 


very traditional French red checks against the pale blue walls are elegant with the dark antique chest of drawers anchoring the room. 


The area has two distinct holiday seasons .... the winter alpine season where the snow can be a metre deep outside and the summer where it is hot and summer sports abound. 


The use of this beautiful Pierre Frey fabric on the skirt and padded bedhead depicts an alpine ski scene and is so perfect for this room with the backdrop of the red paintwork.  


Pleated ikat lampshades sit on a console table behind the sofa in the living room .... this is where the Christmas tree goes each winter.


The kitchen is very warm and inviting with the blue painted cabinetry and the red terracotta tiles ...


another shot of the 300 year old tree standing grandly in its place beside the chateau....


Gabes bought a watermelon from London and it was quite hot so tossed it in the water trough to cool off!


fresh strawberries from the markets and cheese .... this was where we sat for drinks each night ....


Foxglove in full bloom!


Supper on the terrace as the sun goes down ...





How idyllic .... what a pleasure it has been to share this historic chateau and grounds with my family!  Congratulations on a stunning home!
Thank-you!

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10 comments:

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

THIS IS A SPLENDID POST ma reine Marie!

Don't you just find the French style so understated, but yet so articulate in sharing such beauty? From the pale blue shutters (makes my heart shudder!) to the pool, to the bunk beds and those checkered flagstones, this château is my dream home. We have done what we could do to our 1941 brick cottage and I think taking some of the prime elements such as checkered floors and pale and muted tones has really helped us get the essence.

May I "pin" some of your photos onto Pinterest? If you decline, I understand. Let me know when you can! BISOUS, Anita

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

My darling friend! MERCI BIEN for allowing me to pin your photos! How gracious of you, and how graceful is the landscape of France, don't ya think?

Subtle beauty is what I believe the French are so good at. And yes, how I would LOVE to be there right now, sipping a flute of champagne, enjoying the sweetness of strawberries like only France can produce. My stay in the Southwest region over 11 years ago was delightful; I ate so many strawberries and peaches that my hands turned orange!!!!! They were the best I had ever tasted.

ENJOY FOR US ALL! Anita

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Here is a link to my Pinterest page:

http://pinterest.com/stellaroxanne/boards/

I pinned onto my GARDEN GEMS, DREAM HOME and FOR THE HOME boards! THank you my dear one! Anita

Splenderosa said...

This was a thrill & delight to read and see. How fortunate you are to have family with this beautiful place. It would be a dream come true for me. I love every single bit of it. xx's

Flora Fascinata said...

I have to agree with the girls! I won't be in Paris until September, but boy, if it were now I'd be dropping by to visit!!!! What a stunning experience. Please keep the travel diary posts coming. :D

Laura said...

wow frances, how beautiful!!! my husband really wants to buy an old chateau in the south of france and do it up. I would love to but dont want to relocate the children.. so its a 'one day' dream! Oh, I almost forgot; the crown cups that my husband brought back for me from England are from The House of Fraser ; english store, they are online. And they are from the Shabby chic range and were reduced to just a couple of pounds... such a bargain! Also, the Endurance wall banner can be purchased from Rachel Ashwell shabby chic couture ... lots of pretty things in that store! I also still hav a little silk crown rubbing for you but need your address! Enjoy the rest of your French trip lovely lady! hope the weather is better over there than it is here right now!!! best wishes to you!
laura xxxx

Tonya said...

Franny........this is Breathtaking!!!

I haven't looked at blogs for so long now but was thinking of you and so came here to 'visit' with you - how lovely and cheering to find this post!
Thank you for sharing with us all!
You have given me a reminder of all there is in the world to be thankful for in these very trying times......
Until you're home again,
Travel safely, Enjoy the beauty, Take care,
Love Ton xx

*Chic Provence* said...

Oh Franny have an incredible time there with your famille... such a gorgeous chateau... sigh*

Enjoy!

bisous

Kit

Unknown said...

What a beautiful home and how lucky you were to have been able to stay there! I can imagine how you enjoyed it! Sharon

Patrick Damiaens said...

Very Beautiful !

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