Meanwhile, back to my own little castle...

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