in the Gers region of southwestern France, amidst a paradisiacal landscape of sunflower fields, a 19th-century farmhouse has been transformed into a charming vacation home. marie-Antoine and his wife, Marie, were enchanted by the tranquil atmosphere of the place they stumbled upon 26 years ago and turned the dilapidated farmhouse into their own refuge. Their French country home is a joyful pause in time, a place to slow down and enjoy nature.

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a fateful meeting where the house chose us

when the couple first saw the house, they were hesitant because of its enormous size – 1000 square meters (about 300 square feet) – but the view of the house, surrounded by vineyards and sprawling farmland, kept playing in their minds, and eventually they embraced it like it was meant to be, saying, “It was as if the house had chosen us.” The couple set about transforming one of the three outbuildings into a guest house for friends and family.

decorating with a 1950s St. Tropez flair

marie kept the size of the space untouched, but kept the decor bright and lively with a bold yellow color. “I wanted it to be fun and bright,” she says. i wanted to capture a sense of freedom, like the style of Brigitte Bardot in St. Tropez in the 1950s and 60s,” she says.

vintage charm: The home is filled with vintage furniture from the 1950s and ’60s that she scavenged herself. “I looked for pieces that I could use and not worry about breaking,” she says, a practical yet stylish choice for the 15 guests she hosts every weekend.

personalized collectibles: From cross-stitched tapestries to ceramic statues of the Virgin Mary to chicken and cat figurines, her personalized collectibles are scattered throughout the home to give the space a personal touch.

slowly but surely, towards well-being and relaxation

for Marie-Antoine, the farmhouse renovation project is far from over: they have new plans to restore the old caretaker’s house. “It’s nice that our vacation house doesn’t stay the same,” she says. slowly but surely, the house continues to evolve into a space for wellness, relaxation, and connection with loved ones.

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. what is Gers, France, like?

A. It is located in the Occitania region of southwestern France, a predominantly agricultural countryside. it is known for its beautiful natural scenery, castles, and Armagnac brandy, and is often referred to as the “French version of Tuscany”. there aren’t many highways or train stations, giving the area a tranquil atmosphere where time seems to stand still.

Q. what is a ‘vacation house’?

A. It refers to a second home (second house) used for vacation (vacation). it is usually located in a coastal or rural area, away from the city, and is used as a place to relax and recharge.

Q. what should I look out for when remodeling an old farmhouse?

A. The structural safety of an old building should be the first thing to check, followed by updating it for modern living needs such as insulation, heating, and plumbing. It’s a balancing act to add modern features while preserving as much of the building’s unique history and charm as possible.