In the heart of the picturesque village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the South of France, a house stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its former owner, Françoise. This home, nestled in the medieval streets, was entrusted to landscape gardener Jinny Blom by her mother, who had chosen this place as her sanctuary. What began as a simple promise to care for her mother's home has blossomed into a passion project, a labor of love that has breathed new life into the house and filled it with color, pattern, and joy. This is the story of how Jinny Blom, with her husband Marc Fox, transformed a house into a vibrant celebration of life and memory.
A House Full of Memories
The house, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, is a simple structure with one room per floor. It was Françoise's sanctuary, filled with her beloved books and Georgian furniture brought from England. Jinny recalls her mother's love for France and her influence on her career choice. The house, with its whitewashed walls and simple decor, was a reflection of Françoise's taste and her desire for a quiet life in this charming village. But after her passing, the house needed more than just memories; it needed a new lease of life.
A Promise Fulfilled
Jinny and Marc, both passionate about design and art, decided to take on the renovation project. They wanted to honor Françoise's memory and create a space that would reflect her spirit. The restoration was extensive, with repairs to the roof, plaster walls, and wooden floorboards. But the real challenge was in the decorating, where Jinny and Marc wanted to infuse the house with their own style while respecting Françoise's taste.
A Celebration of Pattern and Color
Inspired by the exuberant interiors of the Hôtel des Marronniers in Paris, Jinny and Marc embraced a bold approach to pattern and color. They hung the walls with riotous Manuel Canovas papers and fabrics, creating a vibrant and playful atmosphere. The sitting room, in particular, is a tribute to Françoise, with a Georgian cabinet, a Russian samovar, and a small sculpture of Venus de Milo. The bedroom is adorned with a pretty 1950s French daisy chandelier, and the kitchen features Verner Panton 'Flowerpot' pendant lights.
A Collection of Treasures
Jinny and Marc are keen art collectors, and their love for art is evident throughout the house. Among their impressive collection is a landscape of trees by Peggy Guggenheim's sister Hazel. They also have a surrealist painting of an amaryllis, Murano cockerels, and 1960s pewter vases. These treasures, some of which had been in boxes at their home near Oxford, add a unique and personal touch to the house.
A Passion Project
What started as a means to keep a promise has turned into a passion project. Jinny and Marc spent countless hours renovating and decorating the house, creating a space that is both a tribute to Françoise and a reflection of their own style. The result is a house that is full of life, color, and joy, a place where memories are celebrated and new ones are made.
A Lasting Legacy
As Jinny and Marc stand in the vibrant sitting room, they can't help but smile, knowing that Françoise would have adored it. The house, with its rich history and vibrant present, is a testament to the power of love and memory. It is a place where the past and present intertwine, creating a unique and captivating space. This is the story of how a simple promise became a lasting legacy, and how a house in the South of France was transformed into a celebration of life and love.
