FRENCH DISPATCH

Guillaume and Alexandre's project to bring a neglected building back to life resulted in a permanent move from Paris to the countryside

- AC Scoffoni

LIVING ROOM Pale-painted walls provide a gallery-style backdrop for ceramics and art.

Having known the area since childhood, it was Alexandre Fléveau who introduced the medieval city of Thouars to his partner, Guillaume Dollinger. South-east of Saumur, this charming corner of France worked its magic on the couple, convincing them to buy an ancient 'bourgeois' house in need of TLC, then, a few years later, leave behind their Parisian life.

DINING ROOM There's a wonderful beauty that has emerged with the mix of modern and classic pieces. Guillaume and Alexandre designed the table.

Compared to their former 24/7, high-octane careers as stylists and designers, the change was radical but carefully considered. This house had been uninhabited for 10 years; however, it combined the charm of the old and the tranquillity of the countryside while being in the centre of a pretty tourist town,' says Guillaume. "When we bought it, we came whenever we could and, each time, it became harder to return to Paris.'

DINING ROOM The rough, unfinished walls contrast with the smooth lines of the cladding and furniture.

While some practical updates to the building were done in the 1930s, additional works carried out in the 1970s robbed it of a lot of its character.

The house dates from 1870, but has a medieval base because it's partly built on the old ramparts of the city,' explains Guillaume. 'Everything needed to be renovated.'

LIVING ROOM To recreate the missing decorative mouldings, Guillaume and Alexandre took inspiration from the local city museum, which dates from the same period.