New windows have been installed in the barn, which is the first sign that it has been modernised.

The problem with the design of a barn is the lack of light as they were never intended to be houses. The architect solved this problem with very large windows and doors wherever possible.

The entrance to the barn is truly impressive. The exposed beams are beautiful.

As you enter the barn there is a cosy group of low seating. The double aspect of this room allows precious light in.

Modern hanging lights are used to ensure there is no darkness in the barn.

The concrete floor runs throughout the ground floor of the barn. Underfloor heating keeps it warm, which is essential in order to make the barn feel cosy, yet still cutting edge.

Amazing leather mid-century chair. Give it to me!

On the galleried landing, bespoke bookcases make effective use of the space and look stylish. The owner displays books and personal possessions, which softens the modernity of the build.

A mix of old and new is very effective.

On the ground floor there is a further open-plan sitting room/kitchen/dining space.

The wood burning stove acts as a room divider and instantly attracts attention.

The view of the garden softens the the hard lines of this modern space.

A concrete and stone kitchen blend in with the industrial concrete floor.

The stone work top reflects light.

Swedish chairs add to the contemporary design.

The concrete floor reflects light, which stops it feeling dull and heavy.

Unique hanging wood burning stove. A real design statement.

The master bedroom looks out onto the garden and is sparsely furnished so this chaise longue makes an impact.

Imagine waking up to that every morning!

The ensuite bathroom to the master bedroom has a glass wall that allows the light to reach into every corner of the barn.

Each of the four bedrooms is furnished very simply with crisp white bed linen, white walls and white linoleum floor.

The honey colour of the wood-clad walls in each bathroom stops them feeling cold. The white linoleum floor is bright and the modern-shaped loo and sink are very minimalist.

The green view from every window lights the barn with colour.

The juxtaposition of original beams and modern bathroom is very effective.

To one side of the barn there are old sleepers to make a terrace that falls off to fields as far as the eye can see.

Amazing views.

Reclaimed doors have been used to make this outdoor seat.

The barn is surrounded by green with metal sculptures.

These metal sculptures are eye-catching and the rust colour works well against the old barn.

The garden.

Looking up to the barn from the garden.

The beauteous bride, Amy.

My apartment has lots of windows, which is a rarity in new builds. I have tried not to include any furniture that absorb too much of the light otherwise an already smallish property becomes very small, very quickly. I decided to use the large teal loveseat as a basis for the colour scheme.

I’ve tried to fill the sitting room with a combination of old and new. This antique chair was an ebay bargain at £20 and helped to emphasise the teal colour of the loveseat but this looks more incidental than planned as these pieces of furniture are from toally different periods.

I upcycled my mum’s school trunk to make a coffee table.

This Habitat spindle lamp is one of my favourite purchases of all time. It can be used in any room because of the colour and style. The silk shade emits a beautiful soft light, which is so important in a stark, white apartment.

I have filled my balcony with potted plants and they sit in vintage crates to add to the old and new theme I have in my apartment. I always think of my balcony as an extension to my sitting room so it is important I style it as I do the interior.

I picked these Ercol dining chairs off the street (so lucky!) and the nineteenth century table is from a French flea market. Mid-century furniture, like Ercol, can blend with older furniture, as well as new. Ikea cushions on the chairs don’t even seem out of place.

I bought this antique mirror from Camden Passage and this also picks out the teal from the chairs in the room. I use postcards to add interest.

I’ve tried to soften the hard edges of a new, modern kitchen with vintage finds like the Bush radio, old tins, saltcellar and glassware.

Old jelly mould and glass bottles are perfect to sit on the kitchen window sill as they still allow the light to come through.

Whilst wanting to display vintage finds it’s also important to not overcrowd a small kitchen and valuable workspace.

A collection of different storage pots breaks up the uniformity of a modern kitchen.

I love vintage tins and and this one makes a perfect vase.

I removed the kitchen cupboard to show off the crockery that I love.

Framed family photographs are hung above an antique writing desk that I was given for my seventh birthday.

I made the pinboard above the desk for inspiration and I made sure the computer is the only sign of modern technology as I didn’t want this to feel like an office with a bed in it.

Old books, flowers and childhood pots personalise the room.

A functional Bakelite phone ensures modern technology is not overbearing in this room.

I have used duck egg blue as the accent colour in the master bedroom. It is picked up in the stripes of the bed linen, the mirror, the cushion, the framed print and the stripes of the curtains.

I can get away with using £6 Ikea steps as a bedside table because the Roberts radio and my late grandmother’s 50 year old silk lamp draw all the attention.

The bed was one of the new purchases I made. It is a clever mix of old and new from Loaf, which I love.

My late grandma’s chair that she covered in Sanderson fabric sits proudly in the window of my bedroom. The tailor made curtains were one of my splurges (I don’t think I can admit how much they cost!) but they tie in with the colours of the chair perfectly. An Ikea cushion looks as old as the chair itself.

I bought these antique Victorian pine drawers from ebay for £100. The family photographs and my parents’ old mirror add to my bedroom’s antique feel.

I always cover mirror in photos or postcards as this makes them more personal.

Fresh flowers in a house are transformative.

I removed the door from this cupboard and put up shelves. I stuff these with all my knick knacks which adds character to a new build.

The gite at the Chateau de Claribes.

Surrounding barns ready for restoration.

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.

Beautiful exposed fireplace and stone wall with vintage jugs as ornaments.

The exposed beams add character to the kitchen.

Wood burning stove looks lovely but also very functional in the cold, French winters.

Simple furnishings and wall sconses let the beautiful building shine.

The warm, neutral colours create a wonderful ambience.

The bedrooms are just as characterful as the downstairs due to the vaulted and beamed ceiling.

The Ikea furniture is simple with clean lines.

The exposed brick of the chimney comes up from the kitchen into the bedroom creating a wonderful original feature.

With such wonderful period features you can get away with a simple Ikea bedframe.

This wardrobe tones in with the paintwork so it doesn’t dominate.

The house looks out over a valley of vineyards.

The vines continue at the back of the house, which is perfect for barbeques.

The delicious wine at Claribes is well worth a taste!

The symmetry of these coastal houses is so appealing. The light render, window shutters and terracotta roof tiles are all synonymous with French architecture.

The back entrance of La Baronnie lies off this little street.

I love the look of windows with shutters; they frame these beautiful tall, slim windows.

Wonderful antique metal furniture in La Baronnie gardens that just look so ‘French’.

Although each part of La Baronnie is a different shape and size they are all tied together by their colour and roof tiles. This cohesive look is another aspect of French architecture that appeals to me.

Paint work on a lot of French buildings always looks so tasteful as a limited colour palette is used that includes grey, sage green, verdigris and duck egg blue.

Simple, cohesive outdoor furniture.

Our room was clad in wood with exposed beams and painted floorboards. This style reflects being next to the sea and the light. The typical French toile de jouy bed linen is palatable (usually far too fussy for me) as this is the only print used in the room.

The furniture in the room is sparse and simple, which makes the room feel more modern.

The pretty windows are framed with internal shutters and floaty white curtains to ensure the light can reach every corner of the room.

Small details like the sheer curtain across this door and the door handle instantly create the unique French style.

By using glass between the bathroom and bedroom it means the window-less bathroom is as light as possible.

The bathroom is also clad in white wood with painted white floorboards.

A beautiful example of an original French Chateau.

The ivy covering is very French.

The grandness of this Chateau is softened by the ivy and wisteria.

Hydrangeas line the entrance to the chateau and they reflect the blue of the shutters.

White, metal garden furniture would be more appropriate in this garden.

The effort that has been put into this pergola absolutely covered in wisteria adds to the style of this Chateau.

This is not to my taste but the chateau is decorated in opulent, old fashioned French style throughout.