NORMANDY BARN

Sylvie and Pierre Delcroix took their passion for antiques from town to country when they moved to a rustic barn in Normandy

The lofty spaces and soothing quality of this 17th-century home charmed an antiques-loving couple into buying it on the spot

Sylvie and Pierre Delcroix fell in love with this 17th-century Normandy barn at their first viewing and decided to buy it on the spot. The estate agent who took them for the viewing was taken aback. ‘He had many more appointments lined up for us, but we were very clear about what we wanted,’ says Sylvie.

The couple were immediately struck by the vast, lofty spaces inside the converted barn, as well as its tree-filled, secluded garden. ‘There was a soothing quality to the house and landscape that I craved,’ says Sylvie. ‘I also love this corner of Calvados, close to the small town of Meulles, as I spent much of my childhood not far from here with my grandmother and cousins in an old building she renovated.’

Making the move from Versailles, where Sylvie ran an antiques and interior design shop called L’armoire de Camille (Camille’s Wardrobe), the couple decided to seek a more rural lifestyle and accepted the challenge of a big renovation where Sylvie would be able to employ her keen eye for interiors. ‘We didn’t have any competition when we bid on the house because many of the Parisiennes in the market typically want something much smaller for weekending, whereas we were making the move full time,’ she says. ‘We bought the house from two brothers who had been planning to turn it into a gallery and had made >

❝I SCOURED LOCAL ANTIQUES SHOPS AND BROCANTES TO FIND THE PIECES THAT WOULD PROMPT THE SCHEMES FOR EACH ROOM❞

a start on the renovation. But they were moving on as one of the brothers had fallen in love.’

The property Sylvie and Pierre acquired had no central heating, no kitchen and the floor in one section of the property – which would later become a large office – was bare earth. ‘We installed heating and insulation and vastly improved the office by adding skylights. We opened up the wall between the kitchen and the entrance hall with panes of glass so the garden can be seen from both sides.’ Later, when the house was in a more habitable condition, the couple tackled the garden, planting six large raised beds, wall climbers and a lawn. ‘The garden was an absolute wreck but we worked extremely hard to get it into a good condition. It requires constant upkeep, but it’s a chore we enjoy,’ says Sylvie. ‘From the beginning, we were drawn to all of the different trees in it. We have weeping willow, cherry, apple, chestnut, oak and fir. Over the summer we get a windfall of plums, which we make into jam or bake into pastries.’

A fan of the muted, soft patinas of Swedish Gustavian-style furniture, Sylvie scoured local antiques shops and brocantes to find the pieces that would prompt the schemes for each room. Dressers, cabinets and wardrobes all share these calm, washed-looking pastel colours, which Sylvie then embellishes with home-made decorations in tulle, wire or dried >

plants. Striped linens, chunky knitted throws and plenty of cushions add to the sense of welcoming homeliness.

The couple love walking their dog Anatole in the countryside or by the sea. ‘It’s so peaceful here. The nearest village has only 400 inhabitants. In late summer, when I go for early morning walks, I often find myself among low-lying mist, which creates a magical atmosphere,’ she says. ‘I’m so much happier and more patient since moving here.’

Every season offers up different charms, which Sylvie, an industrious cook and crafter, embraces. ‘I love dressing my table with foliage from the garden and hosting meals for all my friends. Autumn is my favourite season and when it comes around I collect chestnuts and acorns – not for cooking, but to use decoratively, and when the leaves start to fall they create a pretty carpet I’m reluctant to rake off.’

The house has seen plenty of activity since Sylvie and Pierre bought it. Sylvie hosts pop-up antiques sales here twice a year in November and May, when her friends and clients from Paris descend looking for a bargain. And, in 2015, Sylvie and Pierre were married in a small, intimate ceremony in the house.

For more information on Sylvie’s pop-up antiques store and insight into her Normandy lifestyle follow @bienennormandie or visit bienennormandie.bigcartel.com

❝THE GARDEN WAS A WRECK. WE PLANTED RAISED BEDS, WALL CLIMBERS AND A LAWN❞

Exterior The Normandy wood-frame barn dates from the 17th century. The couple added six raised beds using railway sleepers for borders

Exterior Sylvie keeps some of the antiques she’s collected for her pop-up sale here

Living room Positioning a desk under the stairs makes good use of space where headroom is low. Try Bourbon desk, Made. Source a similar antique lampbase at 1stdibs

Living room A huge open fireplace is the focal point of the seating area. Aldeburgh sofas, Sofas & Stuff would be a good alternative here

Kitchen The wall between the kitchen and entrance hall was opened up and fitted with reclaimed workshop windows. Find similar decorative letters, Etsy

Kitchen Industrial pendant lights give a modern twist to the farmhouse style furnishings. Exposed brickwork and rattan add textural interest. Walls in Plummett estate emulsion, Farrow & Ball. Try Brooklyn dome pendants, Wayfair

Hall The sunken aspect of the living room, being a step down from the entrance hall, appealed to Sylvie. For a dresser in this style, try The Cotswold Company

Landing The small proportions of antique furnishings fit snugly where space is limited. Similar bench, Grosvenor Furniture

Guest bedroom Crisp white walls and blue tones offer a calming, pared-back yet functional scheme. Try Orford Blue cotton velvet bedspread, Habitat for a similar look

Bathroom Wall-hung basins save space. Ideal Standard concept cube basins, Victorian Plumbing, are similar. Find similar black wicker storage, ebay

Bathroom A new skylight has dramatically changed the dark space in the eaves. Appleby Grey roll-top bath, Victorian Plumbing, is similar

Bedroom An elaborate gilt frame brings a touch of glamour to this rustic attic space. For a similar mirror, try Vinterior. Encinoso single bed, Wayfair, would work

Guest bedroom French-style furnishings strike an elegant mood. Chateauneuf armchair, The French Bedroom Company, is similar