TOUR DE FORCE It has taken a decade of hard work to restore this 19th-century farmhouse in the French countryside

A decade of hard work saw a dilapidated French farmhouse become a home full of raw charm

When Caroline and Olivier Girault de Burlet first set eyes upon their 19th-century farmhouse it was in a ruinous state. Commanding a hilltop location on the border of the Ardèche region, the main building had not been lived in for around 100 years and had served only to shelter the livestock of the local people. The picture you see now tells a very different story, with La Maison Papillons, which it is now called, transformed into a comfortable abode nestled in a Mediterranean woodland garden complete with a newly installed pool. ‘It is what we call a “mas” and was originally for farming purposes,’ says Caroline. ‘When we first bought the property it was uninhabitable, with no windows and a dirt floor.’

There’s a distinct connection between the house and its surroundings. Not only do the hills and woodlands form a vital part of the experience – the gardens are peppered with social suntraps that tempt you outside – but the majority of the interior decor and architecture has been curated by Olivier, an artist and craftsman, using locally sourced materials.

Caroline and Olivier, who now live in one of the outbuildings and rent the main space out to guests, made the decision not to involve an interior designer with the project as they already shared a clear vision of what they wanted the space to look and feel like. ‘We are both keen advocates of repurposing materials and as a result we like to think the house we have created is very individual,’ explains Caroline.

It is no surprise to see the layout of the house has been designed as a flexible space; there are five bespoke guest bedrooms available to rent, plus the option of the double-height duplex with its own living area. ‘We created the metal-framed vista windows to let in natural light and open up the views to the surrounding land,’ says Olivier, while pointing out that his favourite feature is the huge window at the gable end of the house.

Meanwhile, Caroline has a more subtle feature that she loves. ‘I’m very attune to texture,’ she says, ‘and this is why there’s a real focus on chalky white walls, natural linen and jute rugs throughout the house, all of which embody the sense of relaxation and calm that we enjoy. Where I’ve used colour, I’ve endeavoured to keep it natural – like the earthy green seen in the living area.’ Olivier talks passionately about his studio, which he created by converting one of the outbuildings. ‘It has a woodburning stove and a huge window that faces north – it is the perfect environment for painting,’ he says.

The family called on local craftspeople and friends when making the space their own. ‘It was vital we used local artisans for the renovation,’ says Olivier. Jakob Hartel designed the kitchen in the Girault de Burlet’s own private building, while Clotilde Le Grand designed the ceramics that the guests use.

The couple looked to French interiors brands and markets for pieces to complete the interiors. ‘We also sourced pieces from the likes of Caravane and Ethnicraft, and a couple of bits from the local brocante in Barjac,’ says Caroline.

La Maison Papillons has clearly been a labour of love for the couple and a project that has been worth their time and effort. As Caroline points out: ‘This has been such a dream for us and we certainly don’t plan on moving again any time soon.’

“WE ARE BOTH KEEN ADVOCATES OF REPURPOSING MATERIALS AND AS A RESULT WE LIKE TO THINK THE

HOUSE WE HAVE CREATED IS VERY INDIVIDUAL”

MEET THE HOMEOWNERS

Caroline and Olivier Girault de Burlet share their style inspiration and loves BEST GIFT Being lucky enough to live the life we’ve always dreamed of and in such beautiful surroundings. WORDS TO LIVE BY Mother Nature provides for our needs, but not for our greed. Be kind to nature.

BIGGEST INDULGENCE

The sofa we bought for our sitting room, which is from Caravane.

SECRET ADDRESS

Restaurant Coubasse.

PLACE TO VISIT

The Barjac antiques fair.

OUR STYLE IN THREE WORDS Natural, refined, comfortable.

WORDS RORY ROBERTSON STYLING MARIE-MAUD LEVRON PHOTOGRAPHY YANN DERET/ANNE CATHERINE SCOFFONI EXTERIOR The stone facade and sloping clay tiled roof contribute to La Maison Papillons’ rugged good looks

POOL AREA This was the first element of design and build that owners undertook. Oversized cushions provide a place to dry in the sun. Camden Garden bistro set, £69, John Lewis & Partners, is similar

OUTDOOR DINING AREA Local maker and friend Clotilde Le Grand made much of the ceramic tableware. Her pieces are available to buy online

KITCHEN Reclaimed dining furniture marries beautifully with the striking rusticity of the farmhouse. Vinterior sells French farmhouse tables. Wicker lampshade, try Etsy

KITCHEN Caroline and Olivier have created a simple kitchen splashback using blackboard paint GARDENS The gardens are densely planted with olive trees, jasmine and honeysuckle OUTDOOR DINING AREA Eating and socialising spots are dotted throughout the extensive gardens KITCHEN A cosy nook has been fashioned with a bench and stove. Woodburning stove, Charnwood

VIEW TO GUEST BEDROOM Textures – chalky white walls, stone, natural linen, rattan – contribute to the relaxed nature of the farmhouse. Try Heal’s for a similar pendant. Similar bench, Perch & Parrow