new beginnings

Nicholas and Flossie Pike embarked on an adventure when they left city life in England for rural France

Returning their 350-year-old French townhouse back to its best was no mean feat for this British pair

Self-confessed Francophiles Nicholas and Flossie Pike swapped their Winchester townhouse for a home in rural France, wanting to make a fresh start and enjoy a slower pace of life. ‘Although we looked at many larger country houses, we realised we needed the community and services that a vibrant village can offer,’ says Nicholas. ‘ We rented this house while our agent showed us houses nearby, all of which fell short of what we were looking for. None of them had the ceiling height, outdoor space or room to entertain we had in England. So when this place was put up for sale, we made an offer within minutes.’

After their quick decision to buy, the purchase proved effortless. ‘Our village notaire speaks perfect English, follows

English cricket and has since become a friend. The sale of our Hampshire house, however, was a nightmare, encompassing all the standard gripes about agents and purchasers,’ says Nicholas.

The majority of the work the new property needed was cosmetic, although there was a lot of it. ‘The layout suited us and the renovations that had been carried out before we bought the place were great, as far as plumbing and electricity were concerned, so the only thing we changed was the decor,’ says Nicholas. ‘ We replaced the flooring, laid new tiles and painted throughout.’

Although the work seemed simple in theory, the couple did encounter a few issues. ‘Unlike most of the village houses, ours has three-metre high ceilings, metre-wide stone walls and is split over three floors. So our biggest problem is also the property’s greatest asset – the walls are so solid and the oak beams so dense that you can snap drill bits hanging a picture.’ says Nicholas.

Once these teething problems were resolved, Flossie, who is a designer, started to plan the room schemes, juxtaposing contemporary and traditional French furnishings and colours. Nowhere is this more evident than in the sitting room, where modern purchases blend seamlessly with antiques and bargain finds. Unsurprisingly, this is Flossie’s favourite room. ‘She loves the woodburner that keeps the room cosy in the winter, while in the summer the place is filled with light,’ says Nicholas. And here, they also keep one of their most valued possessions. ‘ We have had the glass-shelved cabinet for as long as we’ve been together. It’s full of tiny things we love that are very special to us.’

The staircase is another favourite feature. ‘ We had seen so many properties where the original staircase had been ripped out, so to find one intact was a real joy,’ says Nicholas. ‘ We love the way the oak and elm curve their way to the top of the house.’

Despite moving here to embrace a quieter lifestyle, the couple have immersed themselves in local life and have even become accidental retailers. Nicholas now sells brocante and antiques, and Flossie sells printed items at a nearby shop, Le magasin @ Studio Pike. ‘There have been challenges to the move,’ says Nicholas, ‘ but we have found that getting involved in the community and speaking our best French has made our new life very fulfilling.’

Sitting room Two sets of double doors open onto a courtyard garden. Find a fireplace like this one at atlas antiques. For a similar mirror, try the antique French Mirror, £650, Cleall antiques. the Stocksund three-seater sofa, £ 499, ikea, is comparable

2 Kitchen This space is a blend of old and new in a soothing blue palette. Bodbyn cabinet doors, from £18 each; Jutis glass cabinet doors, from £17 each, both ikea. take a look at Skyros delft blue wall and floor tiles, £16.40sq m, total tiles. For a copper pan set, try the Linea Cucina copper cookware range, from £16, House of Fraser

1 garden ‘Because of the protected status of the village, we are only allowed to use certain colours for the exterior,’ says Nicholas. garden trading sells similar bistro chairs, £50 for two. the Plum folding dining table, £179.99, Wayfair, is a good alternative. the reclaimed teak repro antique bench, £550, Sustainable Furniture, is a match

3 BATHROOM A surface-mounted washbasin creates a contemporary look. the riviera countertop basin is a match, £ 49.95, Victoria Plumbing 3