Brittany, France

This was a bolthole I bought in Brittany when I was in my 20s. It dates back to the 17th century and the bones of it make for a beautiful little house. However, when I found it, it was a complete wreck. It had been unihabited for years and had a large hole in the roof. You could stand on the ground floor and look through the joists of the next two floors and see the sky.  

 

The history behind it was fascinating: it was once home to 'La Resistance': we uncovered bullets in the skirting and a crystal radio hidden behind an old painting during the renovations.  

 

For a simple little house, I needed simple solutions: Ikea kitchen units and plenty of finds at local brocantes. On the Ground floor I created a Kitchen/ Dining space with a larder and understairs loo. First floor was all Sitting Room and large fireplace. The loft became a bright and airy bedroom with a closed off loo and with open-plan basin and bath. 

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It was so much fun ....