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.
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!
I wish I was there now…
This looks worth a visit and a taste!