a 17th century Italian farmhouse

  

A time-worn farmhouse owned by artist Sam Miller and his wife Helen in the Le Marche region of Italy. It hasn't even been fully renovated- they've just left everything as is and moved in their furniture.  The sunlight really seems to stream in the windows and give the stone floors and walls a quiet, ancient glow. By the way, take a look at the artist's portfolio here, to see the interesting mirrored glass sculptures and pieces you see on their walls. You can also read the entire article on his site here. (Photos from World of Interiors, June, 2010)

Read More

Sunny Tuscan home

                    

  

I wouldn't mind spending the summer in the sun-filled renovated Tuscan farmhouse of Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave. Four of the designers' friends' families helped to transform the derelict 18th century farmhouse into a co-op to share.  Her handiwork can be seen in all the rooms, through the sunwashed colors of the walls, the painted trompe l'oeil elements on furniture, sewn curtains and interesting textiles in the ten- yes, ten- bedrooms. This house was certainly a labor of love.
Photos by Jacques Dirand for Victoria magazine

Read More

Bruxelles Antiques: a home/ boutique in France

You must see this gorgeous farmhouse/ live-in boutique in the North of France! One family turned this large sprawling home in Ennevelin into a place to showcase and sell  some of the things they love. Filled with furniture, industrial objects and old pieces, they combined their passion for living in the country with selling antiques.  To me, this is the Belgian look done really well- not a touch of over-the-top or fake about the look.  I really love the stonework inside, especially the limestone mantel...and that kitchen! That brick vaulted ceiling is so unique. (This article with photos is from Cote Ouest some years ago, and the lower 7 photos are from the Bruxelles Antiques website.)

Read More

French farmhouse obsession continues: a home in Gard, Provence

  

   

all photos by Bob Smith

I'll stop posting converted farmhouse homes at some point, I'm sure. But for now, I keep finding such gorgeous country homes that I just can't help it.  Plus the people who attempt this kind of thing tend to be interesting, adventurous types. The owners of this one are New Zealanders  living in London who one day decided they wanted to work for themselves. So they picked up and moved to France, opened  a restaurant and bravely renovated this dwelling. Perhaps this is my own dream too. So cool! You'll be able to see more detail if you click the photos. (photography by Bob Smith, in Living Etc. August, 2008)

Read More

Converted farmhouse in South Africa

 

  

 

Doesn't this look so light and springy?  Feasting my eyes on all the sunshine and white in this converted farmhouse in rural South Africa.  Love the chipped white furniture, the white frames, and that kitchen work table, which the family made. Would love to see more photographs of this home. (photos from Living Etc. July 2009)

Read More