
A listed 14th-century monastic guesthouse, with almost 2 hectares of grounds in the Falaise region, on the borders of Normandy. The gothic edifice has been painstakingly restored over a period of thirty years, starting in the early 1970s. At the edge of the park, there are a coach house and a former lodging. On the opposite side, a pedestrian gate leads to a path through a wood with a pond. The estate also includes a barn and its meadow, surrounded by a wall, around 100 m from the main house. The rectangular, two-storey Gothic building is built of dressed and rough-hewn sandstone masonry. The corner buttresses are of limestone. Inside there is a solid oak quarter-turn staircase, slab-paved floor featuring red hexagonal terracotta tiles, wood-panelled ceiling supported by exposed beams, walls of dressed and grouted rubble masonry, ribbed and cross-vaulted ceilings, capitals and central columns of coquina limestone, ogee and stained glass windows, Caen stone fireplace…. This is the type of historic home that is so beautiful it brings me to tears. I can’t imagine being fortunate enough to own something this magical. For sale via Patrice Besse for €840,000.















The majestic footprint of the home needed an equally compelling design. This masculine rustic retreat was made with natural materials, organic accents, and an elevated approach for maximum comfort. We were able to translate the rugged surroundings into livable yet tailored spaces for this client and their family. From woodsy brown stains to neutral yet impactful tile, stone, and marble, each room feels like a retreat. The kitchen and dining nook have this moody and intimate feel to them. From the dark countertops to all of the complimentary natural stone, it is such a timeless combination. Rugged and elegant at once, the transition into the breakfast nook and dining space is seamless! We drew a lot of inspiration from Europe in this project.
This may be “rustic” but I’d add in there “elevated” and “refined”. It’s top-notch cabin living but no way are you letting people wander around with muddy boots on. Another one designed by Light and Dwell (maybe obvious because of their signature use of furry chairs…and now I need a furry chair). Photos: Michael Clifford
















Sharing another fine example of maintaining original details that are 100% worth saving whilst adding some modern touches along with colour and pattern in this gorgeous home designed by Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk. Reupholstering that sofa in this whimsical Svenskt Tenn fabric and the terracotta stone floor in brick pattern were both brilliant decision. Photos: Chris Snook.














Casa Cedros is located in Jalisco, Mexico and is an inspiring example of blending and engaging with the surroundings. Oak floors, cedar joinery and local stone are foundational and really does bring the surrounding nature inside providing a seamless experience. Keeping the colours very neutral helps emphasis the peace and calm that this home evokes. Designed by Aagnes. Photos: César Béjar.




















The days are packed, the children are piled on docks and rafts. The clarity of the sky and the water feel endless and pure. Sunkissed kids crash on sofas, exhausted at the end of the day – there is a feeling of health and joy that we know we’ll need for long winter months ahead. This is not your home, this is not a zen spa, this is a summer cabin. Pairings: clementines, sunscreen, popsicles.
Another inspiring project by Prospect Refuge. This one is more modern but with lots of plain-sawn white oak paneling, it has woodsy cabin vibes but it light and bright and perfect for enjoying the warmer months. Photos: Matthew Williams.















