Displaying posts labeled "Castle/Manor"

When I spotted this property on Shoot Factory I was shocked I had never seen it before and then knew it had to be associated to a fabric/wallpaper company (no kidding!) and after about 35 seconds of sleuthing found out this is Trematon Castle and its magical garden in Cornwall, which also seems to double as a B&B through House of Hackney. Some info on this absolutely spectacular (inside and out) property: the castle was built in the 14th century, the main house has 6 bedrooms and sits on 9 acres. The Castle then fell into neglect and ruin for centuries until, in 1807, the Duchy of Cornwall granted a 100-year lease to naval man Benjamin Tucker, alongside permission to construct a house within the castle courtyard. Yet more change came when part of the medieval castle wall was demolished to create a view from the house down to Plymouth Sound – and then again in 1812, when an ornate swimming pool was carved out in the lower reaches of the garden to commemorate a visit by the Prince Regent, who was later crowned George IV.  Now, the Castle not only serves as the gateway to Cornwall, but to a mythical land dreamt up by its newest guardians: Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle. Adorned in House of Hackney’s imaginative prints, the interiors also act as a miniature museum for irreverent British design. In keeping with our ethos of championing local factories and generations-old techniques, the décor is anchored by timeless yet characterful creations, crafted by artisans – the finest our fair isle has to offer. From the artwork to the lighting, each piece you see is available to buy and take home with you (or purchase later via the House of Hackney website) as a memento of your stay. 

I know I am not the only one who dreams of living in a castle (France perhaps?), and I recently discovered a designer who is living my dream. Jorge Canete lives in a Swiss castle built in 1725 called le château de Saint Saphorin sur Morges and it truly is a vision from my dreams. Given its appearance inside, I would say it is something Jorge dreamt of and was able to bring to life. Books float in mid-air, a pendant light mimics a cloud, keys dangle from a crystal chandelier, pages torn from books flutter against walls….it is only missing a princess. (Photos from Jorge’s website and this feature in Côté Maison with photos by Jean-Marc Palisse)

(for more of Jorge’s work I featured this project last month in case you missed it)

Over a year ago I featured a beautifully restored 19th century castle in Normandy, and came across it again the other day. Turns out it was designed by Elodie Sire of D.mesure and there were more photos on her website. A bit feminine and a touch of goth, featuring stained glass, herringbone hardwood, cement tiles, girly wallpaper and all sorts of vintage and mid-century furniture, it is eclectic at its best. The white dining room has me a bit perplexed, but that hardly matters as I am lost in the photo of the foyer above.