Just a few minutes from downtown Nîmes, the chateau can be seen through the century-old trees of its nearly two-hectare (4.9 acres) park. Although its origins date back to the 18th century, the building was something of a well-kept secret until the current owners undertook a major, state-of-the-art restoration. The imposing door opens onto a sumptuous entrance hall (829 sq ft, over 32 feet high ceilings). You’ll be moved by the 12th-century chapel (646 sq ft, 33 feet high), nestled in the heart of the chateau, which can be seen halfway up, framed by the two staircases. The living areas are cleverly positioned on the first floor. On one side, two adjoining rooms with large volumes and keystone ceilings, highlighted by central moldings and arches. The first, with its terracotta floor and period fireplace, is currently used as a living room. The second, with its terrazzo floor, is a media room. We cross the sumptuous entrance hall to reach the opposite wing of the chateau and its kitchen-dining room. A scullery and laundry room follow. A climb up the central double staircase leads to the chateau’s second floor. On one side, the bridal suite features soaring ceilings and a period fireplace. The opposite wing has four bedrooms – two of which are on mezzanine – and two bathrooms. Two more sections await us. In the entrance hall, a door to the left of the grand staircase gives access to a completely independent bedroom and bathroom. A few steps also give access to the chateau’s cellars. A spiral staircase leads to the top floor, the only unrenovated part of the building.
WHOA. This château has to be up there as one of my favourites. Not that fancy with the exception of that spectacular chapel. How cool would that space be converted into a library!! For sale via Poncet & Poncet for €1,595,000.
“Founded in 2013 by Jennifer Bunsa, the studio’s objective is to create a unique sense of place that is thoughtful, comfortable and infused with soul. At the heart of the practice is a love of color, pattern, texture and a strong desire to create spaces that feel lived-in and timeless. Bunsa Studio believes that the creation of soulful design comes from attention to detail, the incorporation of natural and hand-made materials and blending the old with the new.”
Lenox House, a wonderfully sophisticated yet laid-back reworking of a 50s Miami beach home by Bunsa Studio.
Photography by Nicole Franzen.
Let me start with the strange story because it is the sole reason for this post and me learning who Carlo Mollino is.
So the other day luxury British interiors, fashion and lifestyle brand House of Hackney posted the following beautiful space on Instagram:
And I fell in love so I then shared it in my stories. An Instagram friend and fellow Italian and design fiend/stylist Marianne de Ley spotted it and let me know that this space appeared to be almost an exact replica of Carlo Mollino’s bedroom (an Italian architect, designer, photographer and educator who died in 1973). She sent me some photos to vouch for her theory and I too was in shock. She left a comment on the IG post and within minutes House of Hackney had hidden her comment.
We laughed, thought that was awfully disrespectful, also to not have initially mentioned that Carlo was the inspiration. Though oddly enough I left a similar comment as Marianne’s after that fiasco which appears to still be visible to all.
Anyhoo Marianne admitted to being a Carlo Mollino nerd so I knew he had to be fabulous and this sent me down a rabbit hole of scouring the interwebs for photos of his bedroom in question, Casa Mollino – a secret apartment none of his friends knew he had in Turin that he never actually spent a night in (he built it for his afterlife…and only used it to photograph Italian prostitutes LOL) which is apparently now a museum. So here are a plethora of photos I found in my hunt I thought you would all enjoy, starting with ‘that bedroom’.
Photo 1: via designboom (photo: Enzo Isaia via casa mollino)
Photo 2, 6, 17: via gestalten (photo: Matej Cincera, Inside Utopia)
Photo 3 & 11: via Italics Art and Landscape (photo: Valentina Ortaggi)
Photo 4: Adam Bartos
Photo 5, 12, 23, 24, 27: designboom
Photo 7, 8, 14, 19: via Mia Felce Interiors
Photo 9, 10, 21, 25, 26: via Cereal (photo: Marina Denisova)
Photo 13: via Carlo Mollino (photo: Brigitte Schindler)
Photo 15 & 20: via Artsy (photo: Alberto Zanetti)
Photo 16, 28: via Carlo Mollino
Photo 18 & 22: via Italy Segreta (photo: Fulvio Rosso)
This grand, six bedroom semi-detached Edwardian home by the sea in Margate, Kent is perfect for a family. Lots of cozy spaces to hang out all together, so many bold and bright colours used throughout, pretty patterns, lots of artwork. 100% lived in and loved. Northdown Avenue designed by Appreciation Project. Photos: Chris Snook.
Perched on Manly’s Shelly Beach headlands, Shell House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects blends with its stunning surroundings, celebrating contrast through curved and linear elements. The design reflects the bay’s shape with features like an organic pool and curved furnishings while interiors remain understated to enhance the breathtaking views. Sandstone walls and glass seamlessly integrate the home with the landscape, offering an immersive experience. Minimal outdoor footprint and expansive glazing emphasize proximity to the bay, creating a tranquil, immersive retreat that harmonizes with the unique coastal setting.
Photography by Prue Ruscoe.