a family story, and
an epic adventure
Named in 1890, “La Chenevette” is a beautiful 5-acre expanse just outside the historic center. This grand house entered a fresh chapter when Jennifer & Brian became its new custodians…
An epic ADVENTURE
Our family moved in on March 17. 2020, the day confinement (Covid lockdown) came into effect across France.
Buildings on the property are many. So, we first focused on the old farmhouse, from the Napoleonic era, rests above a 20-meter underground cave. It’s here that the original owners made red wine. The baskets with which they carried their grapes and empty wooden barrels remain where we found them. The crumbling walls of the house were repaired, with one stone wall left exposed to show the home’s origins. Over seven months, the home was transformed into a liveable space again.
The journey of restoration extended to the grand Bastide, built in 1890 by a Baroness. With every careful renovation, we found ourselves not just restoring bricks and mortar, but reviving the essence of another era. Enlisting the help of designers Hammer & Spear, we created the spaces with articles found in brocantes and salvage yards, from Paris to Isle Sur la Sorgue.
Contemporary pieces are now contrasted with vintage furnishings. The aim to infuse the impressive property with American design sensibilities while honoring the heritage of the space. An accompanying apartment was renovated to be an imaginatively furnished guest space and artists residence.
The garden that looks upon the agricultural fields was transformed from where our goats and sheep roamed to an event space. Not to worry, they have been upgraded to a much larger barn as their little families have grown.
La Chenevette was where our story began, reimagining our historic buildings and the culture which defines them. See the renovation in pictures, and join the guest list to experience La Chenevette yourself at one of our events.