Chateau de Rochechouart, Hate Vienne, Limousin
Just a 10 minute drive from the farmhouse stands the stunning
Chateau de Rochechouart, a 13th century French castle. It's located at the
top of the confluence of the Grenes & Vayres rivers within the
department of Haute Vienne. It is now a wonderful contemporary art
museum where one can admire the works of Dadaist artist,
Raoul Hausmann, as well as international artists from the 1960's
through to the present; Guiseppe Penone, Arte Povera, Christian Boltanski
and Tony Cragg. There is also a Hunting Room where you may view the
multi-coloured frescoes (beginning 16th century), together with the
Hercules Room displaying murals in grisaille (mid 16th century).
Meanwhile back to my own little castle, it's time to put together
ideas for the kitchen... It's always been one of my favourite rooms;
family gatherings, lunch with friends or simply reading the papers
over breakfast...
I like homes that are light, airy and natural and this one is no exception.
Freestanding cabinetry would be my first choice for the units but this
means custom made which may not be practical from a financial
standpoint. I'm leaning towards the neutrals and creamy caramels for the
lower cabinets with English oak above (upper units will be custom). An
island is a must that will double up as a bar and I've found the perfect
Bentwood stools. I absolutely need a chalk board for shopping/to do lists
as I'm always forget something!
The ceiling is heavily beamed so I'm not sure if simple pot lights
will be possible. However, I have found what I would like situated
over the island/bar; this beautiful Sky Garden pendant and two
would be perfect
Ever since I was small, I've wanted York stone flooring in the kitchen.
I prefer the creamy tones rather than the grey; beautiful to look at,
easy to clean and lasts forever
With several sets of china, serving dishes, crystal and cutlery,
a beautiful old country cupboard will be perfect for additional storage.
Inside I would install a plate rack - painted to match the cupboard -
as I hate stacking plates and the rest would be shelving
Old farmhouses tend to be dark so, to let more light in, the back wall will
be removed (pending planning permission) and extended by several feet
with a quarter wall and bank of windows and french doors. This will
open up the space, give the feeling of an orangerie/conservatory and also
bring the outside in
There's so much more needed for this space but this is a good start.
Sadly the garden will have to wait. In the meantime, it will be
off to market for some beautiful hot pink roses for that
perfect splash of colour...
Bestest
Jo x
Photography credits :
1. Google 2 & 3. Christopher Peters Kitchens, UK
4. Tumbler 5. Google 6. Sky Garden by Marcel Wenders for FLOS
7 & 9. Lassco, UK 8. French Country Living
10. Vale Conservatories/Orangeries 11. Suzie Beezie flowers in enamel
