For Annie Sloan and her husband David Manuel, this traditional French farmhouse provides the perfect rural retreat
When starting their search for a second home, Annie Sloan and her husband, David Manuel, headed to Normandy, attracted by its beautiful countryside, which is less overrun by tourists than other parts of France. Their objective was clear: to find a property they could transform into a peaceful haven for carefree summer holidays with their young sons, who are now grown up.
Although it is 28 years since the couple first set eyes on their beloved farmhouse, the moment remains etched in their minds. ‘It was blowing a gale and pouring with rain, but as soon as we saw the property, we knew it had endless possibilities,’ says Annie who, along with her husband, runs Annie Sloan Interiors. ‘The house needed lots of work, but we were lucky because there was nothing preventing us moving in straightaway.’
But it was not just the property that appealed to the couple. ‘Its half acre of land was a major plus point, especially with a great farming community around us,’ says Annie.
Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.
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Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
NATURE'S colour scheme
Interior designer Charlotte Thomas has transformed a centuries-old country house into a haven of charm, with hues that are in harmony with her personality
SPECIAL BLEND
Marcus and Eliza Waring’s captivating new build combines modern style with Georgian charm
Southern belle
Interior designer Michael Mitchell breathed new life into y a home in South Carolina with colour, art and antiques Lan
LOFTY AMBITION
Bespoke joinery and a light palette were used to maximise the space in this cosy bedroom under the eaves
Modern CLASSIC
Interior designer LeeAnn Baker has infused this elegant new-build waterfront home with a sense of history and a welcoming atmosphere
European VIBES
Italian and French mid-century pieces, exquisite marbles and a calming palette of blues and greens lend an international flavour to a historic apartment in Stockholm
A return to grandeur
An extensive remodel has given this 1990s home fabulous character, with designer Jeffrey Neve’s eye for fresh colours softening the space
SHEER GLAMOUR
Eleanor and Ollie Bowmer gave their new en suite the five-star treatment with luxe finishes and a statement bath
Relaxing RUSTIC
Designer Claire Garner has concocted a warm and welcoming interior scheme that perfectly complements the oak beams of this modern Tudor-style home
The little house of CALM
Sue and Jonathan Eley turned a timber cabin in a beautiful secluded New Forest setting into a luxurious country escape