La Maison du Village has been a labour of love.
From the first moment, I saw this property and had a feeling.
A feeling that was not shaped nor defined but nevertheless a feeling. I get a little like that about surroundings – they resonate with me and from past experience it generally means something.
When La Maison became ours my first instinct was to change nothing and hang on tight to those past memories. Now, nearly a year later, decoratively speaking I have changed pretty much everything. As time progressed I felt the need to quieten down the decor and make it a haven of peace and tranquillity. I wanted the sensual elements of Provence to reflect the mood at La Maison du Village.
Provence is where the senses play an integral role in life; where the scents never fail to overwhelm and where the sights and sounds stop me in my tracks. Having this in mind made the changes easy. Questions flew back and forth but the answers were at my fingertips. Twenty plus years in Provence and counting – I know what I love about the place.
I started with the colour palette.
At first, I wanted a mix of shades and for every room to have its own personality. I wanted to retain the colour and be brave. It didn’t feel right so I stopped and re-thought. I have settled for a soft palette of creams and greys that play gentle games with the Provencal light. The intention was to introduce colour into this tender mix; that didn’t happen either.
Vintage linens and all the luxury they conjure were whirling and twirling as an idea.
Practicality put a foot down, but only for an instant. I wanted to share what I love about my journey in Provence. Collecting vintage linens has been one of my biggest pastimes so where better to use these pieces. Beautiful linens cover the beds from head to toe and most of the furniture is upholstered in the same way. No, it isn’t a sensible choice but I believe our guests will feel the better for it. The linen curtains are the same – they tumble effortlessly from a great height to dress and add serenity of the Suites.
And then there are the little luxuries.
Maison Diptyque has supplied all things delicious for the bathrooms – potions for bath and body to pamper.
Astier de Villatte, another impractical choice on my part, porcelain have been on my interior radar for many years. I couldn’t resist but serve our petit dejeuner on their beauties.
There are so many of my favourite books, all from my personal collection, in each Suite. Occasionally it rains in Provence or the mood strikes to stay home and relax; that’s why they are there. For me, books make a home a home and I am hopeful La Maison du Village feels like “home away from home”.
Those of you who have stayed with us at Le Petit Bijou will know I like to share my sweet tooth if my penchant for caramels is anything to go by; La Maison won’t be missing out. Let’s say I have a fondness for nougat right about now.
I could go on and on. xv
If you would like any information about La Maison du Village, please email me vicki@vickiarcher.com
images, carla coulson
