At the end of a golden day in September, the stone houses of Mortagne-auPerche in Normandy, France, are bathed in the light of the setting sun, and antiques dealer Franck Montialoux isfor the first time - about to cross the threshold of the house that will steal his heart.
The building in question is an elegant old manoir in the heart of the village, built by the 19th-century novelist and playwright Charles Mérouvel, and cloistered behind thick stone walls. I remember that first visit to the house,' recalls Franck. 'I was on my own that day as my husband Miguel had been held up, so I had to bring a tablet to film the visit for him.' Despite its cluttered interior, and walls and floors that were in desperate need of restoration, both Franck and Miguel could immediately see the potential of the house and made an offer, which was accepted.
Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
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Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
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
Collecting Dioramas MINIATURE WORLDS
From elaborate taxidermy museum displays to humble folk art creations, a diorama can transport us to another time and place
Pride of place LEEDS CREAMWARE
In its heyday the pre-eminent rival to Wedgwood's Queens ware, Leeds creamware is still much revered by collectors for its understated elegance
Bohemian Rhapsody
An exuberant approach to decor, with rooms enveloped in colour and pattern, has brought this historic home merrily into the 21st century...
THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME Rory Hutton
The accessories designer on his love of silver spoons and Sévres porcelain
European HERITAGE B&Bs
Is there anything more inspiring than staying somewhere that's both beautifully stylish and imbued with history? Rhiannon Batten explores five gems across Europe, from Sweden to Spain...
STAR SALES
A Hitchens painting, a museum-quality teapot and a Parisian chocolate box are all top of the lots
Textile designs by artists
Influential 20th-century fine artists and sculptors, from Picasso to Barbara Hepworth, gained additional status as textile designers until decline set in during the 1970s
Period DRAMA
A painstaking renovation has brought this 1725 former Huguenot silk weaver's house in London's Spitalfields back to life
An artist's RESIDENCE
Rustic details and a restrained palette lend a sense of simplicity to this lovingly restored Friesian bakery
Carefully Curated LIVING
This lovingly restored Gustavian manor has become both home and showroom for its owners, Maria & Jan Åke, who deal in European antiques
