Renovated Barn
A derelict farm building in the Luberon has been transformed into a stylish family home, thanks to its owner’s diligent restoration skills and eye for design
How a once-derelict farm building was given a new lease of life.
Having worked in Paris before establishing his atelier in London, interior designer Rabih Hage feels truly at ease in France. Thus, when the opportunity arose to buy and reinvent a derelict stone barn situated on the edge of a picturesque village in the Luberon, he embraced it. The transformation took some time but today, the designer, his wife and their two children value the warmth and character of their ‘new’ home and garden. We spoke to Rabih to find out more.
Why do you like this part of France?
I love the light and the quietness. It is a place where we can really relax as a family. I even like the strong breeze, the mistral, because it makes the air feel fresh and clean in the morning.
What challenges were involved in designing and rebuilding your home?
The biggest obstacle was finishing it. I like the idea of dreaming and I like to extend that dream into reality, as once it is done, it is there, frozen and fixed in time and space. There is a balancing act between creating functional spaces and maintaining a sense of openness. We wanted three bedrooms, a big living space, and a real sense of volume and height throughout, all of which was hard to imagine would be possible in this little barn.
Do you feel especially pleased with any aspects of the finished house?
I love the contrast between the old and the new. We preserved and restored the historical parts of the house and then added elements around them that are clearly contemporary. Now that
we have furniture in the barn – which had not been the case for many years – I can sit in di≠erent places and everywhere I look, I can frame a view and see something new, especially in the changing light and shadows. The Luberon is all about the quality of the light and the shadows.
Which are your favourite areas, inside and outside the house?
The children love the mezzanine, which was designed to be a family den, and one of my favourite spots is sitting on the Piet Hein Eek sofa in the sitting room; from there, you can really appreciate the luxury of being in a double-height space. We enjoy sitting on the veranda, looking out at the garden and pool. I also love walking out into the garden and looking up at Mont Ventoux and the hillside villages in the distance.
How has time spent living in France rubbed o≠ on all of you?
The children feel a sense of belonging; not so much because of the culture and language of France, which is part of my history, but more about their sense of attachment to the house, which they have seen being built since they were small. They thought it would never be finished but now that it is, they have a sense of ownership. It feels very natural to them.
Is France, and Provence in particular, home?
For a long time I fought the idea of owning something here but now that I do, I feel that I belong. It is like having a new child, a third child. The house comforts us and gives us shelter in this beautiful place.