15 June 2010

a renovated barn in the south of france~ sigh...






I think I am in love~
(shocking, I know...)
I first saw this here and the minute I did, I knew I had to go in search of the entire story.







Do you ever have those moments when your heart nearly stops, when you catch your breath because you can completely picture yourself there? That is how I felt when I saw the story of Charmaine and Paul Jack, their little family, and the old barn they had converted in the Gard region of southern France (a beautiful area Ange and I drove through this past April).







The 250 year old barn sits on 3 acres and I can just imagine rolling hills, warm breezes blowing through open windows, and endless sunshine.







Charmaine managed all of the interior design work and did an incredible job of marrying historic stone with modern amenities. The entire home is so comfortable and welcoming - I love the simplicity and warmth.




I love this quote by Charmaine - "Weekends are spent relaxing and cooking with friends and family. ‘Our neighbours give us home-grown tomatoes, figs and even honeycomb, and I buy everything else from the local market. We live a very rural life but the best thing is sharing it with friends and neighbours,’ says Charmaine."


That is the life I want to lead...




all photos courtesy of living, etc.

34 comments:

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

double sigh!

Valerie said...

Heavens! So lovely!

Blondie's Journal said...

I love the walls of these old homes. And of course the simplicity.

xoxo
Janie

Home as Hobby said...

I completely agree. Breathtaking!

Tom Stephenson said...

I love those cantilevered stone steps, Mimi. They are in the grandest of houses and the most humble. They HAVE to be built with the rest of the house, they cannot be just stuck on, as they keep each other up. A cool breeze wafting across a stone floor...

Jenny said...

Do you live in France? I am a two hour drive from the northern border. My husband and I stayed in southern France a couple of years ago and just loved it. I even got out my watercolors at the villa and did some painting. It is a different way of life.

Anonymous said...

It sounds heavenly!!

So relaxing!

Brenda

Laurie said...

Absolutely perfect!

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

It looks like they lead a very beautiful and peaceful life.

Seawashed said...

This is exactly what my heart craves...the simplicity and gentle lifestyle. I love everything about how this home looks and feels.

Roberta said...

ahhh...must be nice ,} Do i sound jealous...cause I so am....lol Maybe we can vacation there...someday!

Jackie said...

Seriously brought tears to my eyes - such a beautiful place and life! One I'd love to lead too. Thanks for sharing their story!

Cathi said...

That is so gorgeous....!!

Olive said...

Sighing here in Georgia as I just woke from a siesta as it is 101 degrees.

olive

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Le sigh...serious LE SIGH!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

A renovated ancient barn...that would be a dream come true! Love all the stonework...that last image is simply charming!
:)

natasha said...

Ohh. That is so beautiful! I love exposed brick walls. France is definitely on my list of places to go next!

Hope you're well :) x

Kasey said...

i just booked my ticket back to france.....

Lori said...

Oh Kim ~ I can see you and your entire brood there. I can see why you are in love...

Debby said...

Gorgeous!!! It would be so fun to visit here.
Debby

Julie from ProvencePost said...

You're right, this is a particularly lovely and evocative home. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Cro Magnon said...

I've been living this life for the last 37 years and one becomes so complacent. Thanks for reminding me how lucky I am.

It's pouring here. Bisou, Cro.

lisaroy said...

wow - dreamy! I love those exposed stone walls. It's just such a different pace of life - so laid back and peaceful. Plenty of time to stop and appreciate your surroundings and embrace the little things. sigh.

FEDERICA said...

Oh my! I'm in love!! Looks like a stunning place!
Federica
xoxo

paige said...

sighing
wow
she's gorgeous too
i can't even imagine that lifestyle. amazing

MODERN Prairie Girl said...

Oh, sweet friend...I can picture you there too. I can even picture you picking me up at the airport to drive back to your lovely dreamy plantation.

Picture it clearly---it will come at some capacity in your life---It is the life you were meant to live!
oxoxoxo
Lara

Irene b said...

Looks like a paradise... I love it!
kisses

Johanna said...

Looks lovely!
So looks your blog´s layout

xx

red ticking said...

i have the issue and just about died when i saw it... sooo amazing.. wish we could all live this way... the world would be a much better place. xx

danemi1 said...

what a fab place - when can I go - now now - I want to go now - lol - its so lovely isnt it - ah per chance to dream!!!

Martina said...

Hmmmmm, sooooo lovely! Am in a dreamy mood since days and this blog just sends me of to another journey ...

Unknown said...

speechless!

Privet and Holly said...

Me too, me too!!!
Especially this week.
It's been a loooong one.
Still finding that summer
rhythm....
Oh, for soft breezes blowing
through the open windows of
a house like this....
fresh tomatoes, figs and
honeycomb.
Calgon, take me away!
xx Suzanne

Unknown said...

Oooh, I think I am in love too! Just stopped by from Lifescapes...so glad I did!