West Tower
Subtle pastels and natural linens add a romantic touch to this delightful bedroom. Views of the garden to the west, north and south. King size bed, high quality bed linen and towels. Ensuite bathroom with walk in shower, basin and WC.
Relax and unwind in this light filled ensuite room in the oldest part of the château. Enjoy the views from windows on three sides looking north, south and west over the garden and fields. The original 15th century stone windows were a lucky discovery during our restoration programme as they had been bricked up behind a 19th century fireplace and plaster work for four centuries.
Thanks to observing the activity of hundreds of honeybees making their home in the walls we realised that there must be hidden cavities, the clue being the honey leaking through cracks in the plaster! The bees are now cheerfully rehoused in Pécile’s hives, and the stone walls have been sanded clean.
You will appreciate the craftsmanship of the local blacksmith’s bespoke window frames, with simple checked linen curtains wafting in the breeze. The comfy queen size bed has a tall headboard, which I created because I want you to feel as if you are in a Kit Kemp hotel bedroom. It’s always a fun challenge hunting down suppliers for a DIY project. Who would have guessed that a small town in rural France would have a family-run specialist shop called Maison de la Mousse: House of Foam?
Tidy away your things in the 19th century chest, with its hand-carved wheel doors, purchased twenty-five years ago when dark wood heirloom furniture was considered unfashionable and being cleared out of old French farmhouses.
A South African friend gave us the large pewter platter by Carroll Boyes which sits on the Breton chest. It is decorated with plump hippopotami which is typical of Carroll’s quirky creativity. She was an iconic South African artist and designer who always insisted to her loyal African staff “please remember that we do things differently. Never be ordinary – be extraordinary and throw in a bit of naughtiness every now and then and keep laughing. Never lose your sense of humour.’’ Don’t you just love all the human stories behind craftsmanship and learning what makes every artisan unique?
Enjoy the contrasting modern armchairs in wicker and wood, which are super-comfortable. Hanging on the wall by the door out on to the balcony is my beginner textile piece in which I have incorporated elements of my grandmother’s passions like Chopin, porcelain, and embroidery. The other painting is by Kim Lim, who married the Scottish sculptor, William Turnball. The room’s private balcony is your perfect spot each evening, sitting with a glass of chilled rosé. The balcony’s ornate wrought iron work was salvaged from the transept of a Bordeaux church.
Up one step, and into the exquisite compact bathroom with its stone floored walk-in shower, stone basin, and WC. I loved designing the shelving using vintage ceramic tiles. I have been gradually collecting them, one by one, from brocantes and car boot sales for over twenty years, wondering what to do with them. After squirrelling them away for so long I finally had an eureka moment, and enough to use for a proper project! Each one is unique, hand painted, some are blue and white, some cobalt glazed. You may even find some more when you visit the local brocante with me, that’s all part of the fun.
Mobility Note:
Lots of small steps and uneven ground are all part of the charm of this ancient site, so enjoy its idiosyncrasies as you wander around gently.
Hard to decide?
Explore More Rooms
Full of 18th century French charm, this bedroom is named for Monique Fillerin, famous French heroine of World War II who slept here for fifty years. King size bed, high quality bed linen and towels. Ensuite bathroom with walk in shower, basin and WC. South facing views over tranquil organic farmland
Twin beds, high quality bed linen and towels. Looks out to the trees around the north side. Shared bathroom with walk in shower, basin and WC.
A unique ‘secret bookcase’ door leads you into this bedroom. Balcony overlooking the pool area and former chapel. King size bed, quality bed linen and towels. Shared bathroom with walk in shower, basin and WC.
Ground floor bedroom with ensuite shower, basin and WC. King size bed, high quality bed linen and towels. French doors open directly on to the green grass and ancient cherry trees.
The largest of the château’s bedrooms. Super King contemporary four poster bed, high quality bed linen and towels. South facing views. Furnished with an eclectic mix of global art and antiques. Ensuite bathroom with walk in shower, basin and WC.
A cosy bedroom with a Queen size bed, high quality bed linen and towels. Looks out to the trees around the north side. Shared bathroom with walk in shower, basin and WC.