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FRENCH & COUNTRY Summer Newsletter

Summer Living Glassware Candles Decorative Decorate your life this summer!

www.frenchandcountry.com.au

Danish Christmas Decorations in store now!

Joyeux Noël!

I would like to thank you for your continued support over the past year and to take this time to wish you and your family a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful holiday.

I’m also pleased to advise I’ll be going to France again at the end of January, visiting Provence and onto Paris for the trade fairs. If there’s anything you’ve been looking for that I can source for you on this trip, please don’t hesitate to call or send me an email with the details prior to the end of December.

To ensure you are on our database and to receive updates regarding new stock that arrives in store, email me at frenchco@bigpond.net.au and I’ll send you our newsletter.

With very best festive wishes to you and your family from all of us at French and Country.

Suzie Anderson

We have the most wonderful array of Christmas decorations available for this festive season.

From the prestigious Danish company Frette Grolich, each piece is delicately designed and a work of art.

From other new suppliers this season we have sourced beautiful silk and bead necklaces from Sweden, handmade pure beeswax candles by local artisan, Queen Bee, ceramics

by Bison, ACT, glassware

by Bribe of Melbourne and excelptional linen from Libeco of Belgium.

Come in store to see our full range or visit us at www.frenchandcountry.com.au

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Summer ideas for your home...

French inspiration for your home and garden this summer.

We have an excellent range of French inspired linen cushions which are perfect to give the garden or dining room an instant lift. With co-ordinating placements, teatowels and tablecloths, you’ll bring a taste of France to your table this season.

Nothing says summer more than a collection of weathered rattan baskets. French style trays, baskets, storage boxes, coat racks also evoke a relaxed casual feel.

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What’s in store ...

Stock is ever changing, but here are a few pieces currently in store.

See www.frenchandcountry.com.au for our full current range.

BUYING TRIP TO FRANCE

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I’m busy planning my upcoming trip to France in January to Provence and Paris for a trade fair and then onto Belgium.

If you would like me to search out any special pieces or decorative items just let me know. I will be on the hunt for cafe tables, old books, bread boards, small chairs, side tables, sconces, kitchenalia, dining accoutrements, vintage French linen, candlesticks etc and look forward to offering them all in store in March/April.

I will also be sourcing more enamelled house numbers, so if you have a special requirement now is a good time to order.

Pictured during my last buying trip to France - clockwise from above: Michele and her amazingly tiny stand at the St Oeun Flea Market in Paris. Her petite corner stall is a treasure

ORDER NOW for new French Shipments in Autumn ‘07.

trove piled high with beautiful and irresistible pieces.

Top right: A collection of hat stands at an antique fair in Avignon.

Right: A favourite piece at Marche Paul Bert, Paris.

Bottom right: A Gustavian Mora clock - always beautiful but not so easy to find.

Below: Dinner with friends in Lourmarin, Provence.

www.frenchandcountry.com.au French and Country, 88 William Street,Paddington, NSW 2021 T: 02 9361 0013 F: 02 9387 1521 E: frenchco@bigpond.net.au

FRENCH & COUNTRY Autumn Newsletter

www.frenchandcountry.com.au

Bonjour!

Dear French & Country friends and customers… when I started writing this it was to tell you a little news about my recent buying trip to Europe ... but some very exciting news now eclipses all my travel tales!

Michael and I have been yearning to find a place in the country from which to base our business, and soon after my return from France we found the perfect property in Bowral. “Hopewood Estate” sits elegantly in 11 acres of sweeping gardens and will provide us with the space we need to do justice to many of the larger furniture and architectural pieces we love to stock. A charming summer house will be the perfect place for smaller items for the garden and verandah and the house itself will offer accommodation and a gracious setting for all our European imports. Stay tuned to our website for more news about Hopewood, and as I will be heading back to Europe in June to top up my container, please call or email and let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to source for you. In the meantime read on for news of the latest trends I gathered from my recent trip.

Happy Autumn!

Suzie Anderson

Hopewood Estate: Hopewood was built in 1884 by Ben Marshall Osborne as his family home. His wife Lucy Osborne (nee Throsby) was a keen gardener and created the long driveway and circular carriageway where she installed a formal garden in the form of a large parterre. These formal garden beds have been retained and are still an integral feature to the entrance of the historic home.

Part of the charm of the gardens are the large trees, which predate the house. Old photographs show that much of the formal areas of the garden were laid out by the second owner Lebbeus Hordern who purchased the property in 1912.

It’s not only a privilege to buy this very special property, it is wildly exciting and as a family we just can’t wait to begin our Southern Highlands life!

Parlons le français

A little chat with Suzie about her shopping trip to France and Belgium ....

Q: Where did your buying trip take you this summer?

A: I flew Malaysian Airlines (great satay!) to Paris and onto Marseille. I was collected by Gaetan, a friend and fellow antique dealer. Gaetan has the most exceptional sense of style and this is seen in his booth at Village des Antiquaires just out of Aix en Provence. I had been traveling for over 24 hours but there was no rest yet… we jumped straight into the little van Gaetan had hired for the few days to house the many purchases we would find along the way, and headed down through Cannes, to a beautiful homewares shop in Valbonne. It is set up like a house, in an 18th century stone building. Owned and run by a gorgeous Italian couple, each room is impeccably decorated using a colour palate of muted greys/greens/stone, weathered timbers, subtle lighting, fragrant candles, aged linens all against the atmospheric centuries old backdrop. It was well worth the two hour drive. It was in this village, with muddled travel wits, that I selected a scrumptious looking nectarine from a fruit stand, only to find out it, like me, had just flown in all the way from Australia! I paid $10 for it – a fact I didn’t realize until it was too late!

This gave Gaetan hours of amusement!

Parlons le français (cont’d)

On previous trips I’d had the pleasure of staying at Villa Gallici in Aix en Provence and Hotel Villa St Louis in Lourmarin. Both were inspiring decoratively and historically, however this time the budget was focused on the antiques rather than on the accommodation, so I settled for a few days at the centrally located Hotel Cardinal in Aix. I had a comfortable,

spacious room, decorated with period pieces and it was a bargain at 68 euros a night. Another bonus was that the Sunday market was held at the end of the street, which made the early morning rise relatively painless!

After a few days of market rummages and scouring dealer’s wares in Lourmarin, Avignon, Aix en Provence and Isle sur la Sorgue, I enjoyed my final night in Provence at Nathalie and Bertrands’ (dealers from Lourmarin) bed and breakfast apartment in Apt (www.la-madone.net).

Nathalie has created three themed apartments in the building adjoining her house. I stayed in the Baroque apartment and I found it hard to stop at just the one nights stay. Nathalie’s decorating style is quintessentially provincial, using soft chalky colours, antique monogrammed linens, crystal chandeliers, antique beds, painted timbers and unique decorative pieces.

Her shop in Lourmarin (La Boutique de l’antiquairs) is a great source for similar items. I look forward to a summer visit where breakfast could be taken in the conservatory after an early morning dip in the pool. I had a plane to catch, so it was a quick breakfast delivered to the apartment, an hours drive back to the airport and

they may need to store for me until my shipper comes to collect!

The next morning I caught the TGV to Antwerp where I stayed at the highly regarded showroom of decorator and floral designer Pieter Porter. The showroom is set in a Belgian mansion and in addition to the foyer, family, kitchen, dining and garden rooms, there is a grand tearoom, a boutique and three themed guest suites.

Whilst it may seem overwhelming, it was the most intimate, serene accommodation I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. I spent a night in the English Suite, and given it was winter, I was happy to find my suite had two fires which would ignite at the flick of a switch. The music, the lights, the curtains were all remote controlled. I was in heaven with every sense catered for…music (he produces his own compilation cds), candles, décor, service, proximity to the antique strip and dozens of restaurants.

Pieter is reknowned for decorating hotels and grand homes, predominantly in Europe, but he also has then on to Paris. a large client base in America. The My home away from home in Paris ideas, inspiration and beauty found is the Hotel Crystal on rue St Benoit, throughout his ‘house’ has left a lastSaint Germain. Its location is what ing impression. wins me over, situated just a few doors down from Café de Flore and all the Reluctantly, I had to leave Antwerp beautiful fabric houses, interiors and after just a few days of discovering, but I know that it is a place that will be fixed on future itineraries. Brussels and Bruge are also next on the list.

The Belgians speak English well as it

antique shops and a myriad of cafes that are synonymous with the Saint Germain area. The rooms aren’t huge but they are clean, welcoming and the staff are obliging and always interested in what discoveries I’ve made throughout the day ... and just what

is compulsory from age 11 at school.

The cuisine is creative and varied and they are very welcoming, helpful people.

The last few days of the January trip were spent at the Maison d’Objet Trade Fair and further antiquing at the markets in and around Paris.

Q: What were your most exciting finds this trip?

A: The most exciting finds on this trip were a mix of old and new. In Provence I came across the most beautiful collection of old paperback books in the palest of pale pinks. I could never tire of looking at them…simple, timeworn and feminine. A pair of old decorative European horses, in a very worn, original state, again, simple beauty. In Isle sur la Sorgue, I purchased a pair of arched, glazed doors of massive proportions, with the timber frames in a wonderful, grey green patina. I hope the original glass panes survive the trip back to Sydney.

At the trade fair I was excited to find some suppliers I hadn’t encountered before. Interestingly, most of the goods I purchased were from Belgian designers. Simple in design, weathered wood and iron tables, zinc lamp bases, weathered timber plinth.

Another creative find was an artisan from Avignon, who weaves her magic with vintage fabric remnants, wire and zinc. She creates pieces of art that are characteristic of Provence.

Doll’s house size circus tents, miniature replicas of chateaux even with a courting couple within, illuminated by a simple zinc pendant light cast-

ing an atmospheric light. I have purchased five or six of these and can’t wait to exhibit her work to my customers when they arrive. She takes 3 to 4 months to complete the order as her work is quite intricate. It will be very hard to let them go!

Another favourite find was a restaurant I have walked past many times but never tried. It is Le Relais de l’entrecote, just a few doors down from my hotel in rue st Benoit. Their unique formula is that they have only one thing on the menu! They serve a small salad, followed by delicious sliced beef with a secret Parisian sauce and the best frites I’ve ever tried! They continue to top up your plate until you are done. Delicious. It is always packed to the rafters with local Parisians enjoying family dinners, romantic dates, girls nights out, executive dinners and then the random tourist thrown into the mix. The waitresses in their traditional black and white maids uniforms are kept busy topping up diners plates until you can barely fit in the crème brulee! A gem of a place.

Q: One thing you would most like to keep rather than sell?

A: One of the abovementioned wire chateaux and a large hanging candelabra bought at Marche Paul Bert in Paris, oh and those pink books…actually I think I’ll keep them!

Q: What ideas do you see in Europe for enhancing the home?

A: As people are living such hectic lives, there was a definite trend to bring the outdoors inside, to encapsulate a sense of nature and calm.

This is achieved by using aged, worn timbers, natural materials including linens, stone, muted colours, glass,

“For a Parisian feel, the décor could be more formal, refined...”

Parlons le français (cont’d) on which to place lamps, globes or other curiosities. There were also zinc obelisks converted to lamp bases, pieces of nature and things of beauty preserved under glass domes.

candles and music to create a total haven at home. Items normally reserved for the garden or glasshouse now grace the sideboard, kitchen or adorn the wall as a piece of art. There is a trend for few pieces, less clutter, but carefully chosen things of architectural or natural beauty e.g. stone or zinc spheres, busts, limed timber fragments, plants, leatherbound books piled high acting as pedestals

Q: Name the most exciting market/ shops you saw and why?

A: I enjoy Porte de Vanves market in Paris early Sat/Sun mornings. It’s a wonderful place to find unique decorative pieces and there’s great camaraderie amongst the dealers. The Saturday flea market in Avignon, where you start the day with a strong expresso from the Tom Conti lookalike who runs the coffee cart. I don’t know if it’s his singing or the expresso that wakes me up!

I also enjoyed the antique shops in Antwerp, where I saw slight differences in stock, and a refreshing openness with the dealers.

Other favourites in homewares are: Flamant, Blanc D’ivoire, Mis en Demeure and the little Marais area Village St Paul. In Antwerp there was a unique store called Hot & Cold, New & Old, which specialized in everything for the bathroom, be it antique or the latest designs. Great concept!

Q: What are your tips for people wanting to introduce a French atmosphere to their home …where do they start?

A: It depends if they want to encapsulate the Provincial feel, a Parisian style or that of coastal France.

For a provincial feel, incorporate lighter colours, taupes, off whites, ochre yellows, muted greens and greys, both in wall colours and furnishings. The furniture is mostly painted, French oak, fruitwood or pine. Simple pieces of furniture, linen curtains, accessories that are typically provincial such as anduze and confit pots, timber bread and cheese boards, enamel ware, old birdcages and decoy ducks, still life works of art on unframed canvas. Select natural linen or ticking fabrics in the upholstery or try slip covering the furniture. Iron or timber bedheads and iron curtain and stair rails, often in a rusted colour.

For flooring, weathered or painted timber, tiled or flagstoned floors. Use table lamps with linen or wax shades and timber/iron candelabras to provide subtle lighting.

For a Parisian feel, the décor could

be more formal, refined. Think of incorporating pieces in the syle of Louis XV and XV1, more curvaceous and detailed in the carving, perhaps painted or gilt timber, walnut or fruitwood tables and chairs. Chairs could also be upholstered in silks or fine linens. The use of plaster mouldings and decorative embellishments on walls and over doors along with high skirting boards, interesting cornices, crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, rich fabrics and wallpapers. Aubusson rugs, needlepoint cushions, velvets, brocade with trimmings finish the look.

Gilt mirrors that are embellished with carvings and accessories such as table candelabras, crystal glassware, fine decanters, silverware, leatherbound books, oil portraits, globes, busts, floral arrangements in cast iron urns, marble fireplaces and parquetry flooring work together to achieve that Parisian interior.

To achieve the coastal French interior, apply a more weathered style using paints in matt, chalky greys, whites, charcoal, reds and blues. Furniture tends to be simple, with wicker baskets and furniture, shells, blankets, ropes, driftwood, zinc, pale aged glass bottles often used as lampbases or casual pale timber lamp bases with simple cotton or linen shades. For fabrics, washed linens, tickings and white cotton slipcovered chairs and lounges to create a relaxed feel. Flooring tends to be timber covered with natural floor coverings such as sisal/seagrass matting or flagstones.

Travel Tips!

Each time I travel away I like to search out interesting places to stay and dine. I’m often asked for recommendations on my favourite places so here are some from my most recent trip in February this year.

CAFES + RESTAURANTS Paris Café de Flore 172 Bvd Saint Germain 75006 Barrio Latino 46 rue du Faubourg St Antoine Barlotti Place du March Saint Honore www.buddha-bar.com Sud 12 rue de Castellane, Paris 75008 Pub St Germain, Paris 75006 Le Grand Colbert (brasserie in movie Something’s Gotta Give ) 2 rue Vivienne, Paris Le Fumoir 6 rue de l’amiral coligny 75001 Wonderful cocktails and the best hot chocolate in town. Sit outside and gaze at the Louvre and Paris’ beautiful young things arrive graciously on their mopeds.

ACCOMMODATION Provence Hotel Cardinal, 24 rue Cardinale Aix www.hotel-cardinal-aix.com Villa Gallici www.villagallici.com La Madone www.la-madone.net

Antwerp

Taschen 2 rue de Buci, Paris 75006 The Red Wheelbarrow 22 rue St Paul, Paris

Sir Anthony Van Dijck Restaurant Vlaeykensgang Oude Koornmarkt 16, 2000 Antwerp Ph: 03/231 61 70 Chez Fred Kloosterstraat 83 2000 Antwerp Um Sushi & Noodle Bar Groenplaats 18, Antwerp

INTERIORS + HOMEWARES Provence La Boutique de l’antiquairs 9 rue du Grand Pre, Lourmarin

Village St Paul: www.parislemarais.com Antwerp House of Porters www.houseofporters.be

Paris Hotel D’Angleterre www.hotel-dangleterre.com Hotel Crystal www.hotelcrystalsaintgermainparis.com

Hotel du Danube www.hoteldanube.fr Antwerp House of Porters www.houseofporters.be BOOKSHOPS

Village des Antiquaires 6110 Route d’Avignon 135640 Puyricard Paris Flamant: 8 Place Furstenberg, 75006 Mis en Demeure 27 rue du Church mid 75006 Blanc d’Ivoire: 104 rue du Bac, 75007

MARKETS Paris Porte de Clignancourt Porte de Vanves

www.frenchandcountry.com.au French and Country, 88 William Street,Paddington, NSW 2021 T: 02 9361 0013 F: 02 9387 1521 E: frenchco@bigpond.net.au

FRENCH & COUNTRY Summer Newsletter

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Summer 2007 www.frenchandcountry.com.au

French and Country, Hopewood Country Estate, Centennial Road NSW 2756,

contents DECEMBER Hello from French & Country.

Where has the year gone?! Apologies for the absence of the winter/spring edition of the French & Country newsletter, but the past few months have been wonderfully frantic both personally and professionally. Closing the Paddington Store in order to relocate to Hopewood as well as the sale of our house and the relocation of our family has been a great period of change for us. We have all taken to the Southern Highlands so quickly and easily we feel we are very much in the right place.

As with all old houses, it has been a real case of getting to know each other. Every creak and every leak are slowly revealing themselves, and we have embarked on a process of making this wonderful property our home. Six weeks with a fantastic crew of gardeners working their way through the 11 acres of gardens, and a team of tradespeople who are working their way through Hopewood House to make it a welcoming, functioning home to our family and friends.

We are presenting some unique ideas to council which incorporate Open Garden Scheme days, special antique events and market days, functions in The Pavilion, self catered accommodation in our 1880’s guest cottage and the Hopewood Store, a little cottage to be home to French & Country homewares. The website will communicate the progress of these ideas and future events so if you would like to stay informed please register to receive future newsletters.

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Best regards,

Suzie Anderson Page French & Country

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Summer Entertaining - add polish to your summer parties with accessories and ideas from French & Country Discussing latest summer trends with Suzie Anderson. Refresh your favourite rooms with gorgeous pieces from the French & Country summer catalogue.

How to create elegant summer atmosphere in the French Style with ideas from abroad.

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At Home at Hopewood.

Exciting plans are afoot for a series of exceptional events in 2008 at Hopewood - the new home of French and Country.

SUMMER ENTERTAINING Be inspired for summer entertaining with these stunning new accessories for the dining room and your alfresco setting.

French & Country

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What tricks and trends did you see on your European travels that inspired new summer entertaining ideas?

I saw a great use of glassware used on the dining table and side tables incorporating candles and greenery.

Same shaped hurricanes or vases in clusters en mass would be used to create living art.

This added greenery indoor. olour usage that appealed was whites, offwhites, faded greys and greens grounded with black. Tables were casually set with weathered rattan placemats rather than more formal tablecloths and contrasted with crisp white plates, white urns, white jugs, decanters, wicker jugs which added a freshness. Life was also added to the table with a lot of silverware. Dig out the silverware usually reserved for more formal occasions and use it liberally ‌ alternatively pewter, which requires a lot less maintenance.

Use old trophies or silver punch bowls as ice buckets, smaller tankards as vases with fresh cut white roses or hydrangeas. Let the light and freshness of summer come through the glow of silver and the crispness of white crockery. I also love the use of clean white charger plates topped with smaller delicate vintage/antique dinner plates, particularly Spode in duo tones e.g. blue/white, taupe/white, black/ white.

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“L et t he ligh t and freshness of summer come t hrough t he glow of silver and t he crispness of whi t e crockery.”

French & Country

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What item/items can most change the look of your home to give it instant summer atmosphere?

To add an instant summery feel consider refreshing your linen. A fresh coloured, lighter weight quilt and linen sheets replacing the heavier doonas and blankets of winter. White or stone coloured fluffy towels, fragrant spring/summer flowers of gardenias, freesias or magnolias in the bathroom. Oversized silver hurricane lamps burning white, cream, taupe or grey naturally fragrant or natural beeswax pillar candles.

Try room sprays in crisp summer fragrances of Gardenia, Lime, Orange Blossom and Jasmine. Accessorise with collections of coral/shells/driftwood and other natural, preferably vintage (not mass manufactured) maritime pieces on side or hall tables or along a fireplace mantle. I also think a huge spring clean, de-cluttering of those blankets, piles of books and other cocooning items you enjoy over winter and organise them in a series of washed wicker baskets.

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lear out fireplaces and fill a wicker basket with bunches of hydrangeas. New covers on outdoor cushions is a quick and easy way to inspire more outside entertaining. There are more and more beautiful outdoor, weather resistant fabrics on the market. Warwick Fabrics have a wonderful new range of sophisticated plains, stripes and florals designed for the outdoors. Sunbrella also has an extensive range of plain outdoor canvas fabrics in a wide range of colours and stripes that are water and UV resistant. Add some contrast piping to the edge of the cushions or sunbed covers and you will achieve a unique, custom tailored look.

Even the family pet will If you wish your cushions to remain outdoors over summer be happy with a summer it may be worth replacing the cushion inserts with reticumakeover. lated foam. This foam can be ordered through The Foam Baskets and bird feeders are Booth in Surry Hills or Willoughby in NSW. It allows detailed on our site along with water to filtrate through the foam core rather than soaking these featured items. it up and in turn disintegrating the cushions inner.

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French & Country

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Q A

What influences do you find you adapt to your Australian home when you return from your travels in France?

I enjoy the detail and beauty that the French typically incorporate into their daily lives. I am always impressed after time spent there with friends, that they live with the feeling that today is the best day of your life so take time to enjoy every minute. This is evident in the way they dress, entertain and dine. This influence encourages me to use beautiful things every day rather than saving for those ‘special occasions’. Spending a few minutes extra on setting the table for dinner makes such a difference to the enjoyment of a meal. Whether it be some freshly cut flowers, a lit candle, some linen napkins, fine crockery or drinking wine from crystal glasses, beautiful music and ambient lighting.

I am also trying to eradicate my bower bird habits and just have pieces in the house that we find either beautiful to look at, have a meaning or purpose rather than just having them taking up shelf space and collecting dust even though we have no attachment to them. The recent house move was helpful in that respect, but I do find the French Style encourages this sense of simplicity and beauty. The pieces don’t have to be expensive or highly precious just pleasing when you see them each day. Also, it’s fun to put to use some of those treasures you keep stored away but never see. It could be a beautiful pair of vintage leather binoculars that are rarely used but find a new purpose as a paper weight on your desk or useful to hold down a pile of paper napkins on the outside table! Why not!?!

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“I enjoy t he det ail and beauty t hat t he French typically incorporat e into t heir daily lives.�

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What are the components required to get a truly elegant French look that is not contrived or over the top?

Over the past couple of years my decorating style has had a greater influence from other parts of Europe such as Belgium and Holland as I enjoy the pared down, restrained style of decorating found there. I like to combine some decorative original antique French pieces with other more streamlined, almost contemporary pieces that have simpler construction. These form a complementary base that can carry an ornate gilt mirror, a pair of brass and crystal table chandeliers or a collection of time worn books and due to their minimalist style, don’t compete with the more decorative, detailed antique piece. Combining both contemporary pieces and original French antiques creates a less contrived look which I think suits the more casual, Australian lifestyle. I would also prefer to have one original piece of French furniture, with original patina, than a room of lesser quality highly contrived, over worked copies of ornate French style. As they say, less is more! Beautiful soft furnishings such as a Fortuny cushion on a sofa or chair, or a generous linen curtain in a muted tone also add a richness and elegance to your interior.

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Q A

Which websites do you recommend customers visit to get ideas for French decorating?

Some of my favourite websites are not necessarily French websites but they imbue a style and colour palate that is restrained and elegant and I look at them time and time again for pleasure. Here are a few of them: www.cotebastide.com www.rlhome.com www.catherinememmi.com www.the-hempel.co.uk www.victoriahagan.com

QA QA

Describe the colourways that appeal to you this coming summer season.

White, Clay, Grey, Taupe, Celadon Freen, Umber, Pewter, Silver, Mauve, Licorice, Black, Muted Gold.

What stock do you have to decorate for Christmas this year?

I’m just unpacking some lovely glassware for t-light candles, sweet white doves, miniature chandeliers, eucalyptus and hydrangea wreaths, silver, red and copper berry garlands, and some beautiful Christmas tree ornaments from Jette Frolich of Norway. Another highlight for Christmas, New Year and summer entertaining are the oversized cathedral candles in chalk or chocolate. They make such a statement on a side table, inside the fireplace or on the mantlepiece.

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QA

Do you have a checklist of items for summer entertaining?

Yes, so often we spend a lot of time thinking about what food and drinks we are going to serve over Christmas and New Year but we spend little time on the table settings and plate ware.

Here’s a brief check list of plate ware and serving ware that could be useful this season: Table cloth, table runner and or placemats Napkins Cutlery Charger plates, dinner plates, sideplates, dessert bowls, salad bowls, platters, olive, dip and condiment bowls Tiered cake plates Glass food domes Butter dishes Bread baskets Food covers Olive Oil dipping plates Vinaigrette decanters Icebuckets Water/Wine/Beer/Champagne/Cocktail/Liqueur glasses Wine decanters Coasters Napkin rings Napkin holders Salt & Pepper dishes/shakers Water jugs Candle holders Candles Candle snuffers Placecards Placecard holders Bottle openers Bottle stoppers Carving knife Carving Fork Salad Servers Serving Spoons Nut crackers Christmas Crackers Cocktail shakers French & Country

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H o p e w oo d

Following our move into Hopewood in September, we are in the process of extensive renovations and restoration of the gardens in readiness for our re-opening of the gardens and grounds in 2008. Next year Hopewood will play host to a series of special events that will bring new life to the property and provide a stunning setting for our French and Country furniture and giftware.

We will contact you when we are ready to announce full details and in the meantime we hope you will continue to follow our progress on the website. In the meantime, if you would like me to source any special homeware items for you, please call me.

Built in 1884 by Ben Marshall Osborne as his family home, Hopewood remains a landmark building. His wife Lucy Osborne (nee Throsby) was an accomplished gardener and installed a formal garden in the form of a large parterre and created the long driveway and circular carriageway. These spectacular features

have endured and give the house its stately grace to this day. The gardens are enhanced by the large trees, which were in place before the house was built.

Many of the formal gardens were installed by the second owner Lebbeus Hordern who purchased the property in 1912.

www.frenchandcountry.com.au French & Country, Hopewood, Centennial Road, Bowral NSW 2756 Phone: 0411 448 817

French & Country AUTUMN WINTER NEWSLETTER 2008

www.frenchandcountry.com.au

Bonjour!

Welcome to the Autumn/Winter edition of French & Country. How can it be winter already...it seems only months ago we moved into Hopewood and commenced renovation of the main house, the gardens and most recently The Cottage, which is now open for B&B bookings and receiving some wonderful comments from our guests.

We love sharing Hopewood with them.

I have just returned from travels to Europe with Michael and the children as well as a quick return trip to France to do some buying and searching for new suppliers for French & Country.

You will find our new products on line at www.frenchandcountry.com.au and soon we will be launching our new website for Hopewood Country House so you will be able to view our new accommodation facilities on line also.

Feel free to call me if you would like further information on stock items or accommodation at the cottage.

Best wishes

Suzie

contents JUNE/JULY

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Hopewood Country House comes alive with colour and romance in full autumn glory What’s new at French and Country ... now located at Hopewood Country House discover le cafe Marly and other favourite glamour locations in Paris

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Tuscany’s Poggio al Sorbo, in the Chianti de Castellini region, perfectly located between Siena and Florence

Suzie Anderson French & Country, now at Hopewood Country House, Bowral

French and Country, Hopewood Country House, Centennial Road, Bowral, NSW 2756 Mobile: 0411 448 817 Email: frenchco@bigpond.net.au Page French & Country

“The leaves have fallen, the fi res are roaring, the electric

blankets are on full and we are enjoying our fi rst autumn in the Southern Highlands”

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t has been a busy six months working our way through renovating the main house, the guest accommodation and now the showroom and function centre - ‘The Pavilion’ part of the property. The good news is French & Country will be taking over a much larger part of the Pavilion, with a rambling floorplan, rooms and alcoves, warm fires. It will be the perfect place to showcase a

new range of furniture, homewares and unique pieces as well as a space to have coffee before taking a walk around the 11 acres of gardens. However with this extra space means a lot more renovation work and so our opening date has been moved to later in the year, hopefully in late Spring to coincide with the beautiful spring gardens. Read on for news of our latest products and some tips from our recent travels in France and Italy.

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FRENCH & COUNTRY Some one o ff pieces collected on the recent buy include the ever popular bread boards,

terracotta seed pots, iron and timber beds and vintage linen hopsacks.

On the plane on the way home from our family holiday to France and Italy, Michael and I discussed the importance of keeping that sense of calm, inspiration and joy that you get when you are enjoying a wonderful holiday, in our every day lives … why should we only feel that ‘holiday feeling’ 4 weeks in the year?!

Some of the new products at French & Country hope to imbue this: small affordable luxuries that can make a difference to the way you live each day.

from the brand Hidden Cabin. I have a few samples now but will have a comprehensive range in the new showroom.

UK Textiles Designer Andrew

Martin has a stunning new range of fabrics available that would be the perfect way to bring new life to a tired sofa or chair (below). Order now and reupholster in time for spring.

As you can see, I have been taken

by Nobility with their gorgeous range of crown embossed plateware (right) - for more detail on the embossing go to our website.

New in store are Flaxfield sheets and range of bath towels made of cotton and bamboo which are heavenly to sleep and bathe with.

I’m also excited to be stocking a new French range of bags, throws, picnic rugs and mens’ linen coat shirts

Clockwise from top: Cafe chairs and decorative zinc items; irresistible antique child’s chair; linen from Flaxfield, handtowels and accessories due Spring 2008 ; breadboards; iron cot bed; upholstered double bed; Hidden Cabin shirt; garden pots; taupe and red striped ticking table runners French& and Country; European tea towels.

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Website update Thankyou for your incredible patience in waiting for the French & Country website update. There has been a lot of new stock in, however due to the renovations most of the stock is stored away in the various outbuildings on the property and not easily photographed.

We have upated our pages with a few of the new pieces, but look forward to keeping you up to date more easily once the showroom is up and running.

Favourite new websites and inspiring places to stay

www.hotelparticulier.com www.relaischateaux.com/leprieure www.the-connaught.co.uk www.thehousedirectory.com www.villafeltrenelli.com www.restaurant-1728.com www.daylesfordorganic.com www.appleyhoare.com www.josephineryanantiques.co.uk www.stephenshubeldesign.com www.warwick-castle.com www.flamant.com www.poggioalsorbo.it www.caravane.fr www.sbrparis.com www.andrewmartin.co.uk

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THE COTTAGE AT HOPEWOOD “From the fi rst moment we arrived every aspect has been absolutely delightful…all the attention to detail has combined to feed our souls…”

Over the Easter weekend our guest accommodation, known simply as The Cottage, opened its doors.

We are proud to have created a luxuriously appointed, provincially inspired two bedroom two bathroom adult retreat on our property

in Bowral. Bowral is an hour and a half south of Sydney in the beautiful Southern Highlands. Although we are perfectly located less than a kilometre to The Centennial Winery and Restaurant, as well as a number of stunning golf courses,

our guests seem to enjoy a walk in the garden followed by hours relaxing in front of the fire.

If you would like further information on the accommodation and facilities please email me at frenchco@bigpond.net.au.

A few comments from our guests so far…

“Hopewood itself is magnificent, the gardens are sublime, the peacefulness and tranquillity”

“The cottage is amazing…a great size, great décor and the small attention to details such as candles and fresh flowers make it truly romantic…”

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FRANCE In Paris, Café Marly at The Louvre was a great

place to take our fi rst lunch, sitting on the terrace in the sunshine, after a walk in the Tuilleries.

Another wonderful discovery was 1728 Restaurant and Tea Room located at 8 rue d’Anjou in the 8th. (facing page) This 18th century restored mansion located in the Embassy district, was once the home of La Fayette. Think parquet flooring, crystal chandeliers, gilt framed oil portraits. Lunch, Dinner and exquisite afternoon teas are served in one of a series of luxuriously appointed rooms. The closest metro is Concorde or Madelaine. For reservations (although not necessary for afternoon tea) (01)401 704 77.

In May I travelled to Europe with my family, the first time the children have been with us and we loved it.

It left little time for antiquing, but a lot of inspiration was taken from the ancient castles, frescos, ruins, cathedrals, gardens and hotels we visited. Revisiting Italy, France and England with the children made us rediscover the joy of seeing these beautiful countries for the first time.

Each child took a sketch book and pens, so we we’d stop for lunch or the daily hot chocolate, they’d sketch the things they’d seen, buildings, people, animals etc. which is a great record for them. In Paris, Café Marly at The Louvre was a great place to take our first lunch, sitting Page French & Country

on the terrace in the sunshine, after a walk in the Tuilleries.

Le Bon Marche on the left bank, and the Marais district on the right bank was a hit with my teenage daughter, with all the beautiful jewellery stores, fashion shops and street entertainment. In Paris I did drag the family to my favourite haunts, Flamant, Blanc D’Ivoire, Mis en Demeure, Cote Bastide as well as discovering some new stores including Loulou les Ames Arts, Caravane Emporium, Aux Salles Bains Retro. As far as eating out in France, Angelina’s on Rue de Rivoli was a first stop for their famous, ultra rich Hot Chocolate, a sure fire way to beat jetlag! “

1728 Restaurant and Tea Room

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“L’hotel Particulier is a

hidden oasis in the bustling Roman city of Arles”

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Hotel Particulier in Arles

On my quick return to France in June one of my inspiring moments was a long awaited stay at L’Hotel Particulier in the Roman city of Arles. So often I tear sheet hotels that appeal from a decorating perspective and this one didn’t disappoint. Tucked away behind its monumental gate, this historic building built in 1824 is a hidden oasis. A number of luxe suites and standard rooms are beautifully appointed with quality furniture, luxurious linens and wi fi access. I stayed in a suite on the ground floor which opened on to the pool terrace. My spacious room was a dream ... soaring ceilings, white walls covered in decorative panelling, gilt mirrors, black king four poster bed with crisp white sheets, black velvet sofa and armchairs and ambient lighting. The only thing missing was being able to share it with Michael.

There is a hammam/spa which is in the pale stoneclad basement of the hotel, which offers steam room, massage and water therapy. The restaurant offers breakfast (pricey) and dinner either on the terrace or by the open fire. My request for a vegetarian meal was readily catered for with the chef creating a delicious eggplant meal and a gourmet salad. The overtones of the whole hotel are French/Morrocan with many candlelit hurricanes, turkish rugs adorning the lounge areas, the l’orangerie and the poolside terrace.

For those brave enough to drive there is car parking available. In Arles there are numerous places of interest to discover and winding streets to roam, however from a decorating/antiques perspective there was little to satisfy. There are a few antique dealers located around rue Grille and a brocante market the first Wednesday of each month.

Arles is located within an hour or two of Avignon, Aix en Provence and many interesting villages and towns with train and bus services running regularly, so it’s a great base for your stay in Provence.

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I TA LY It was in this hilltop town that I fell in love with ancient frescos, religious icons and decorative ironwork.

W

e hired a delightful self contained villa in Tuscany, Poggio al Sorbo, in the Chianti de Castellini region, perfectly located between Siena and Florence. The villa was fairly basic in it’s facilities, however this was made up for ten fold with it’s spectacular views, hospitality of the hosts and the proximity to all the highlights of the region.

The villa had some wonderful trattorias within minutes drive. Antica trattoria La Toppa and Osteria Alla Piazza. My sons’ obsession with all things medieval were more than catered for in San Gimignano, (19km away) with catapults, slingshots, swords, Knights, armory and the Museum of Torture!

My husband Michael’s obsession of icecream was also well catered for with the award winning Gelato outlet Campioni del Mondo!

It was in this hilltop town that I fell in love with ancient frescos, religious icons and decorative ironwork.

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Florence was equally inspiring architecturally as we scaled the heights of the Duomo and lost ourselves in the gardens and the vast rooms of the Pitti Palace.

Having visited Florence many times previously, we’d never behind the great walls of the palace. We explored the vast manicured gardens and l’orangeries, and wandered the great halls and rooms of the Palatine Gallery and Royal Apartments within the palace. The collections of the Cardinal Leopoldo and Grand Prince Ferdinando de medici are great examples of a private court assembly of pictures.

Each day in Europe comprised of a lot of walking, hot chocolate, a lot more walking, lunch, a lot more walking, so once a week the whole

family would take 30 minutes and hit the internet café to touch base with friends, family and Michael and I would touch base with work emails. This was especially nice for my daughter, who whilst loving the European travels, missed her daily contact with her buddies, so this would make her feel connected to home. Postcards seemed like a foreign concept to her!! By the end of a week in Italy we couldn’t face the thought of another pizza or pasta meal, however we always had room for one of the best hot chocolates in Italy and it can be had at Cantinetta Dei Verrazzano, located centrally at Via Dei Tavolini, 18/20.

Above, Emma, Suzie, Will, Michael and Jamie at Tavolino. Left: Gardens at the Pitti Palace. Below: The magnificent Duomo in Florence.

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ENGLAND

As always, London was crowded and busy, however not without it’s charm and rich history. While I was travelling I was reading The Other Boleyn Girl, and I could hardly put it down. It seemed particularly important to then visit The Tower of London which was quite a moving experience for me, and a chance for the boys to get another fix on knights in armour and weapons. The London Eye was the perfect first place to visit, being able to point out places of interest and get a bird’s eye view of the city.

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An entertaining boat trip on the Thames was also a way to get a little bit of London’s history and an easy way to get to the Tower Bridge.

Wagamama, the Noodle Bar chain is located next to the Tower of London and was a delicious and affordable place to feed the family, and at 3pm we could get a great late lunch/early dinner.

London has no shortage of stunningly appointed and decorated hotels which if even if they are not in the budget to stay at, have fabulous bars where you can indulge in

a glass of wine or two. A few must visits are the The Coburg Bar at The Connaught Hotel, Mafair. The interiors have been designed by Parisian based designer India Mahavi, and the service is exceptional. The Milestone Hotel in the Kensington/ Chelsea borough is richly appointed hotel, where no room or suite are the same, and there are a choice of bars and lounges that you never want to leave.

We did manage to get to see some favourite antiques shops and interi-

ors stores including Appley Hoare, Marston & Langinger, and the wonderful Daylesford Organics Store and Dalyesford Garden store.

Ralph Lauren Home emporium is also in the same area in Chelsea and I could have moved right in. One new must see is Priscilla Carluccio’s new homewares emporium, Few and Far, 242 Brompton Rd, London. www.fewandfar.net. I walked out with some handmade Italian stationery to die for and could have bought a stack more if there was room in the suitcase! The store is a mix

of new and old, linens, tableware, jewellery, furniture, merchandised over two floors. Her personal touch includes chocolate cake served in store on Fridays!

Another place of interior decorating inspiration was Warwick Castle, in Warwickshire. I think the recent wave of period films, Atonement, The Other Boleyn Girl, Marie Antoinette, have exposed the rich lifestyle of this period in history.

The use of exquisite fabrics in the soft furnishings, the opulence of intricately carved and gilded

picture frames adorning centuries old portraits, libraries lined floor to ceiling with leatherbound books, cut crystal candelabras and chandeliers, beds swathed in silk and damask and gardens that are clipped and meticulously groomed. It was certainly a period of excess however you cannot help but but wish to be transported to that time for a day or two!

Clockwise from top: period luxe at Warwick Castle in Warwickshire; Daylesford Organics Store, Pimlico; modern day luxe at Milestone Hotel, London www.milestonehotel.com.

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French & Country SUMMER NEWSLETTER 08-09

www.frenchandcountry.com.au

Bonjour!

Hello again, Since moving to the Southern Highlands we have truly had the joy of experiencing the four seasons.

Autumn and winter meant lots of open fires, coats, scarves and a lot of indoor entertaining!

Spring has been an inspiration for the senses – the colours, fragrance and the efforts of our tireless garden team have come to fruition. I couldn’t dream of a greener lawn or a pinker camellia.

Everyday there is a new explosion of

contents DECEMBER/JANUARY

4 5 7

News from The Potting Shed - new stock now in for our summer catalogue.

A new look for The Pavilion. Now brimming with gorgeous gardenware and treasures all available online.

News and inspiring decorating ideas from our recent trip to Europe. Also where to stay, shop and dine out.

colour in the garden and our newly planted vegie garden is going to provide salad for the rest of the summer.

We are loving country life!!

Suzie Suzie Anderson French & Country, now at Hopewood Country House, Bowral

French and Country, Hopewood Country House, Centennial Road, Bowral, NSW 2756 Mobile: 0411 448 817 Email: frenchco@bigpond.net.au Page French & Country

A pair of gorgeous kittens -

Max and Ti ffany; a pair of ducks and their

newly hatched ducklings; the vegie garden and an outdoor fi replace in the Sunken Garden.

At Hopewood Country House we have had a few new additions to Hopewood over the past few months. A pair of gorgeous kittens - Max and Tiffany (that’s Tiffany posing in the garden, below); a pair of ducks and their newly hatched ducklings; a picturesque and

productive new vegie garden and a new outdoor dining area in the Sunken Garden. This addition means we can happily continue the tradition of sharing a nice bottle of something local with our friends and guests over dinner under the stars.

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THE POTTING SHED The gardens have inspired the renovation and stocking of The Potting Shed which is now open to our Cottage Guests and to customers by appointment. Should you be in Bowral and want to pop in and wander the gardens and The Potting Shed, please call me on 0411 448817.

We’d love to see you. It is brimming with gorgeous gardenware both imported and locally supplied, from muted grey bird feeders, Libeco aprons, Tampico bags, secateurs, zinc seedling markers, balls of twine, gardening books, as well as unique pieces that will enhance your courtyards and gardens this summer.

All items are available online at www.frenchandcountry.com.au

Clockwise from top: Vintage tools; handcrafted hearts; handcrafted wooden decorative pieces for Christmas; new French inspired stationery range; the Guest Cottage at Hopewood; Hidden Cabin coats and bags; Libeco linen cushions.

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THE PAVILION The Pavilion Showroom is being painted and decorated and stock is being moved around as I theme the rooms as we did in Paddington. See a glimpse of a bedroom below. It is a wonderful, but time consuming process and it is almost ready to be stocked for our summer catalogue shoot. In the meantime, should you be searching for anything in particular, I am happy to send images now most items are out of storage and much easier to photograph! Let me know if you would like me to mail you a copy of our new Summer Catalogue.

It is brimming with gorgeous gardenware both

imported and locally supplied, from muted grey

bird feeders, Libeco aprons, Tampico bags, secateurs,

zinc seedling markers, balls of twine, gar-

dening books, as well as one o ff pieces that will enhance your courtyards and gardens this summer.

Consignment Items A number of my customers have relocated over the past few months and with the extra space now in my showroom I am taking pieces of furniture on consignment. New additions include a custom designed set of French Provincial, rush seated dining chairs, an antique pair of French Louis XV style upholstered fauteuils, a European painted kitchen cabinet of grand proportions and counter, complete with sink and dishwasher (previously from my kitchen in our Bronte house) Price on application.

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EUROPE 2008 Europe 2008 - Michael and I travelled to France in September to visit the Maison Objet Decoration and Design trade fair, antique fairs and to scour the flea markets. I particularly love the new bed linen range by Secret Maison (right) … muted, pre-washed linen sheets, doona covers and coverlets, in inky blues, natural flax as well as chalk colours. Also, soft furnishings by the French brand Coquecigrues, whose stunning curtains with intricate antique style lace detail add the finishing touch to bedroom and living spaces, to divide rooms or to soften doorways and entrances.

I particularly love the new bed linen

range by Secret Maison… muted, prewashed linen sheets, doona covers and

coverlets, in inky blues, natural flax as well as chalk colours.

Stunning large framed antique botanical pressings are also part of the collection due to be shipped pre Christmas.

We are looking forward to introducing fashion to the French & Country catalogue for the new year with a new season colour range of tennis shoes from Bensimon, (now in stock) easy to wear linen pieces from Nell Design, American Vintage cotton tee-shirts, tank tops and gorgeous basics due in February, as well as Libeco linen nightwear. For unique clothing for les enfants, we will be importing the handcrafted range of vintage inspired children’s clothing from L’esprit e Luna (middle row, right). All available at www.frenchandcountry.com.au www.libeco.com www.nelldesign.net www.am-vintage.com www.bensimon.com

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For those who respect quality, history and tradition, you will be satiated at Cire Trudon.

France,

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The oldest candlemaking company in

with manufacture dating back to 1643.

NEW & INSPIRING As always France brought further discoveries in design, and decoration, hotels and dining.

Here are just a few treasures: Fashion Vanessa Bruno 25, rue Saint Sulspice 75006 Paris www.vanessabruno.fr Sensual, light, comfortable collections set in an elegant, spacious showroom on the Left Bank.

Berenice Youthful collection of cashmere, silk, super soft cotton t-shirts and tanks designed to be layered, come in muted colours.

52 Rue des Frances-Bourgeois Marais (4th arrondissement) Nearest metro: Rambuteau Decoration and Design Cire Trudon For those who respect quality, history and tradition, you will be satiated at Cire Trudon. The oldest candlemaking company in France, with manufacture dating back to 1643. Named the Royal wax manufacturer in 1719, Cire Trudon supplied Louis XIV, Napoleon and they still hold the keys to the great cathedrals and churches in France where their church candles still burn today. In their stores at 78 rue de seine, Paris 75006 and 12 rue du Temple Paris 75004 you can sample the 12 fragrances created by fashion designer Ramdane Touahmi in 2007, by inhaling the scent captured in the beautifully crafted bell jars

which cover each candle. Each fragrance is designed to evoke memories of a moment in France’s history, with names such as Revolution, Empire, and La Marquise.

The quality is reflected in the use of 100% vegetable wax, woven cotton wicks, and the absence of chemicals is proven with no sooty deposits on the glass holders (top right).

Michael and I just fell in love with this whole candle range, Les Mille Feuilles Gorgeous bric a brac and flower shop in the Marais 2 rue Rambuteau 75003 Paris

Cote Bastide New store in Aix en Provence Rue Pierre Simon Lapace Aix en Provence www.cotebastide.com I already love visiting the Paris store of Cote Bastide, (4 rue de Poissy, Paris 75005) however this is a wonderful addition to Aix. Set in a vast, stone building with exposed timber beams, polished concrete floors, chalky limed walls, the store is the ideal backdrop to the timeless products Cote Bastide offers. Cool linens, creamy ceramics, heavenly bath and body products. Leave room in the suitcase after a visit here to take home a little piece of Provence.

Mise en Teinte 15 Bvd Saint Germain 75005 Paris Metro: Maubert-Mutualite ou Jussieu Decorative effects, paints, stencils to inspire.

Calligrane 6 rue du Pont Louis Phillipe 75004 Paris Metro: Pont Marie For anyone who adores paper of all styles. Paper for writing, binding, crafting. Stunning!

Society/Adele Shaw 33 rue Jacob, 75006 Paris Metro: Saint Germain A luxurious range of Italian bed, bath and table linen in muted colours.

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HOTELS & EATING OUT

Hotels

Left Bank Hotel Le Clos Medicis 56 rue Monsieur-Le-Prince 75006 Paris www.closmedicis.com Hotel de l’Abbaye 10 Rue Cassette, Paris 75006 www.hotel-abbaye.com Hotel Le St. Gregoire 43 rue de l’abbaye-Gregoire, Paris 75006 www.hotelsaintgregoire.com Hotel Verneuil 8 Rue de Verneuil Paris 75007 www.hotelverneuil.com Right Bank Hotel du Bourg Tibourg 19 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg 75004 Paris www.hoteldubourgtibourg.com Hotel Brighton Basic but central and spacious room! Ask for one with view over the Tuileries Gardens.

218 Rue Rivoli 75001 Paris www.pari-hotel-brighton.com Pavillon de la reine 28 Place des Vosages Save this one for honeymoon/anniversary/won lotto~! contact@pavillon-de-la-reine.com www.hotelpavillondelareine.com

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Eating Out

Lyon Hotel Belle Cour 3 rue du Colonel Chambonne 69002 Lyon www.bellecoursurcour.com Boutique accommodation, centrally located, amazing history, Napoleon Bonaparte once was a guest here. It has a charming wood panelled dining room dating back to 1786 where you can take a continental breakfast. Mme De Sauzea is a charming host. Very affordable, around 80 euros incl. breakfast.

Avignon Hotel D’Europe 1A rue Limas 84000 Avignon www.heurope.com Stunning hotel, opposite a beautiful square filled with restaurants, courtyard perfect for afternoon tea or pre dinner champagne. Save up for one night here!

Paris La Musee de la view Romantique 16 rue Chaptal 75009 Open 10-5.40pm After you have wandered the museum, take tea and pastries in the delightful garden attached.

Au Pere Louis Latin Quarter, Paris 38 rue Monsieur le Prince 75006 Paris Restaurant/wine cellar in the heart of the Latin quarter. Buzzy atmosphere, provincial dishes and wines from the South West. Meat and bean casseroles, and duck confit are a speciality. Delicious!

Avignon Compagnie des Comptoirs 17 Place des Corps Saints, Avignon Great for breakfast/brunch, lunch, drinks. Outdoor terrace with tables set around a large reflection pond.

Stunning interiors, white leather and glass, amazing lighting. Cocktail bar stays open late. Word of caution …beware of the tomato tart … another story, but just don’t order it whilst wearing white!

Tangier 58 Rue Joseph-Vernet, Avignon Morrocan Restaurant. Beautiful garden setting, under a tented canopy, intimate lighting.

Moderately priced meals.

After you have wandered

the museum, take tea and pastries in the delightful garden attached.

Hotel Belle Cour

Restaurant Tangier

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RECESSION DECORATING When times are tough, we are forced to use ingenuity in our decorating, and this can really get the creative juices flowing. Even if your budget is feeling the pinch, there are lots of things you can do to bring beauty into your home, and cheer up even the gloomiest forecasts!

Paint – a can of paint can work wonders on walls, furniture and even fabric

Re-upholster – new ranges of fabrics are out seasonally. Libeco have a stunning new range of pre-washed linens in an inspriring colour palate.

I have sample cards to view.

Unique Fabrics range of tickings and stripes are affordable, washable and create that ageless casual look to sofas, cushions and occasional chairs. Consider slipcovering a chair, stool or pillows out of vintage fabric and sheets.

Shop online and save! You’ll use less petrol, resist impulse buying, and you can search for unique pieces that will enhance your decor from the comfort of home.

If you can’t afford to purchase large scale items but feel like an update, get pleasure out of adding

small decorative details such as new scatter cushions, a quality candle, fresh table linen, and an interesting vase to hold fresh cut hydrangeas and summer gardenias.

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Have old wicker furniture revamped by painting and re-stringing. Contact Rueben Nool: www.caneandwoodemporium.com (02)9792 4437 or 0418 866727

Making your own gift tags can be inexpensive if you D.I.Y. We have a range of beautiful stamp sets that can personalise plain card.

Hole punched and tied with brown string, they are charming.

Decorate and fill bookshelves with second-hand books - affordable, colourful and easily available from charity stores, fetes and garage sales.

BEST FESTIVE WISHES We would like to wish you and your families a very peaceful and special Christmas and we look forward to sharing exciting news from Hopewood Country House and French & Country, in the New Year.

looking for a last minute gift, or need birthday or special occasion gifts for the New Year, you can still order online and we will resume deliveries after the Christmas break.

French and Country’s distribution division will be closed over Christmas and New Year, but if you’re

Best festive wishes, Suzie, Michael and Family xx

We would like to wish you and your families a very peaceful and special Christmas and we look forward to sharing exciting news from Hopewood Country House and French & Country,

in the New Year.

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French & Country AUTUMN WINTER NEWSLETTER 2010

www.frenchandcountry.com.au

Bonjour!

Welcome to the Autumn/Winter edition of French & Country. There has been so much going on since the last newsletter that this is more like a book than a newsletter! We have had several French & Country Open Days at Hopewood and we really enjoyed having the cafe and showroom open in the weeks before Christmas. I’m happy to report that our renovations to the Pavilion building are now finished and ready for functions and our current project is preparing for our June Stocktake Sale - to be held in the Pavilion on the weekends of June 11-13 and 18-20, from 10am-5pm.

I’ve made some wonderful new purchases over the past few months that we will have in store for late Spring and Autumn 2011 including some stunning lamps, beautiful European fashion for both men and women, delicate ceramics from France and bedlinen from Sweden, along with one-off furntiture pieces and decorative accessories.

If you are not on our database for updates, please register online at www.frenchandcountry.com.au so we can keep you in touch with our Open Days and trading hours.

Have a happy Autumn!

Suzie

diSTOCKTAKE ary note SALE June 11,12,13 and June 18,19,20

T

o make way for our new spring stock, we will be holding a huge stocktake sale on the weekends of June 11,12,13 and June 18,19,20 in The Pavilion at Hopewood. The cafe will be open Friday through Sunday, each weekend so put it in your diary and bring some friends for a fun outing and a great opportunity to pick up some bargains. All welcome.

Suzie Anderson French & Country, now at Hopewood Country House, Bowral

French and Country, Hopewood Country House, Centennial Road, Bowral, NSW 2756 Mobile: 0411 448 817 Email: frenchco@bigpond.net.au Page French & Country

I Love Paris France January 2010 - As I left Australia for my latest buying trip to France, the midsummer heat was searing the Sydney beaches and even the Southern Highlands sweltered as the northern half of Europe was experiencing one of its coldest winters since 1981. Luckily for me, the worst of it seemed to be over so I avoided the frustrating travel delays and flight cancellations that affected so many.

I flew with Singapore Airlines to ensure a direct flight to Paris, which avoids the frenzy of transferring at Terminal 5 at London, Heathrow.

When I arrived in Paris it was just 3 degrees but really not as cold as I’d expected after the recent snowstorms.

My taxi driver was a delight and surprisingly, with his extremely limited English, and my fairly limited French, we managed to have a great conversation. He

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was keen to teach me any words that were missing in my vocab (which were a lot) but we were able to talk about his trips to Venezuela, our mutual love of antiques, his favourite part of Paris, how long he’s been driving taxis in France and so on. The trip flew because of this and before I knew it we arrived at Hotel Saint Vincent,5 rue de Pre aux clercs, Paris 75007. www.hotel-st-vincent.com/anglais.

I’d always wanted to stay in this hotel but it is so often booked out due to the fairs when I come in Septem-

Hotel Saint Vincent and silks, beautiful table lamp lighting and a little open fire added ambience and side tables were stacked with books and magazines. My room was on floor one and a half…oddly it reminded me of that John Malchovitch movie with floor 7 and a half! The room was a little larger than I normally get at Hotel Des Marionners or Crystal hotel, however where was the loo? A second door near my bed led to a little staircase. Was this a public access staircase? How odd that it leads straight into my room? I ventured down the staircase and it led me to my bathroom. It was a great size compared to the bathrooms I normally have where you can shower, brush your teeth and use the toilet without taking a step, however I felt there were too many steps to be taken to get to this! Anyway, it’s amazing how quickly you get used to things. After freshening up I met my good friend Luke at Café de Flore for our usual chocolat au chaud. I am the biggest coffee fan but going to Paris is my detox time. Not because of a planned desire to get healthy, it’s just I can’t stand the taste of French coffee.

The chocolat chauds on the other hand, taken at Laduree, Paul or Café de flore are to die for. Rich, thick and indulgent. Your spoon can almost stand up in it!

We chatted for a long while and then it was time for me to visit my usual haunts…Flamant, Mis en Demeure and the depot ventes (charity shops) near Montparnasse. I also visited Marmie Gateaux tea rooms and a lovely little collection of brocantes on rue Cherche Midi that sell vintage French kitchenalia and vintage children’s toys, Page French & Country

ber and March. I got in early this time, and as it is in the area where I normally like to stay, the Left Bank, around rue Jacob, I was happy to have secured a room.

The hotel is located within walking distance to Musee d’Orsay, The Louvre, The Luxembourg Gardens and the other fabulous left bank landmarks. The decoration is Napoleon III style. The foyer and lounge lived up to the web images, decorated in my favourite colours, putty, grey, white with black accents. The upholstered furniture was in the same colour palate but in velvets

Hotel Saint Vincent books and accessories. The tea room serves a range of tartes and sweet treats as well as a good range of teas, coffees and soft drinks.

Jet lag started to take hold at around four o’clock so I headed back to my hotel armed with a stash of new French home deco mags…Cote Sud, Maison Campagne etc and my new black Moleskin for this trips note taking. I had a glass of Sancerre in the hotel while browsing the magazines and then headed to shower and get ready for dinner with Luke before I succumbed to a sleep. I was feeling like closing my eyes, but I knew that this would be a mistake and we’d be meeting for breakfast rather than dinner if I did that. It was nearly six when we met and we went to L’Entrecote for their famous steak and frites but they didn’t open until 7….could I stay awake? “Let’s have a drink” suggested Luke, so off we went to the wine bar Da Rosa where a bowl of olives a glass of red and my second wind all arrived at once! Da Rosa Wine Bar, 62 rue de Seine, Paris 75006 www.restaurant-da-rosa.com L’Entrecote was full as usual but we managed a table and a fantastic night of conversation and laughter, delicious food and I felt well settled into my second home away from home. I awoke at 4.30 am after a good 6 hours, packed my small bag for my few days south and met a friend for yet another choc au chaud and baguette at Paul. Not a good month to give up carbs! Next it was a cab to Gare de Lyon to catch the TGV to Avignon.

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Passage du Grand Cerf, Paris 2 Arr. Page French & Country

Avignon

Snow covered the farm lands from Paris to Avignon – a scene so different from that of the late summer months and early Autumn when I normally see fields of green, lavender and olives.

Before long I was in Avignon Central and I headed through town with my wheelie bag making an inelegant racket on the cobblestoned paths leading past the Palace de Papes. I soon found La Mirande (www.la-mirande.fr) thanks to the Google maps on my i-phone…what a brilliant tool! The hotel was divine.

Lavishly decorated, lofty ceilings, grand staircase, rooms where you want to spend days dining, reading, sipping tea and late night cocktails.

But sadly I had just one night to take it all in.

My room was decorated with muted green timber panelling below a chair rail and vivid floral wallpaper throughout. The bathroom was lined with Carrara marble, a deep cast iron bath, vintage tap ware, rich towels and toiletries to die for

and divine Dr Haushcka bath oils, hand, body creams and soaps.

The reception was welcoming and informative. As the restaurant is closed at this time of the year (which I soon learnt was the downside to late January travel in Provence), I was invited to join 11 other hotel guests at the table d’hote, to be held in the hotel’s ancient kitchen.

Whilst it sounded divine, I had the quiet fear I would be a lone diner amongst romantic couples … but on being shown the extraordinarily beautiful kitchen with its central island dining table, it was hard to resist. As I got dressed I continued to tell myself it is good for the soul to do things out of your comfort zone and my French skills could really do with some practice. I was also after inspiration for my kitchen at Hopewood so that was another magnet. The chef prepared delicious seasonal local cuisine with local wines to match. The Hotel, I later learned, runs a cooking school and specialised pastry making classes

throughout the year.

I am so glad I went. What a fantastic night. The owner of the Hotel, Martin, and his lovely German girlfriend Julie, an art restorer, were there and had invited some friends to join them. Jean David a biologist, Armand, a vigneron and his lawyer wife Cecile, and a wonderful larger than life photographer Benoit, who had spent a year photographing for a book of the Hotel. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him for the dinner, which was lucky as his English was the best out of the group. On my other side was a delightful couple from Brazil - he a congressman from Sao Paulo and she a well known actress.

Two other couples were at the table, however they were quite happy to keep quietly to themselves as they were celebrating their own special occasion.

The kitchen and cellar are in the basement of the hotel. On arrival it was all candlelit, the table was set simply but beautifully with fine French & Country

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linen, polished silverware and the kitchen cabinets surrounding us were stocked with antique copper pans, confit and mustard pots and other visually pleasing kitchen accoutrements. I was poured a glass of sancerre and we were then all escorted on a tour of the cellar. We had a wonderful night full of laughter, stories and were fully entertained by Jean Claud the Hotel’s Chef who possessed the wonderful skill of creating a delectable feast from simple, local produce whilst entertaining us with his quips, jokes and his love of life.

After about 7 courses, including celeriac salad, sea bass, lamb, champagne, wine and flavoured vodkas, Julia announced it was Russian New Year and we must go out and dance! So that is what we did…this group of unlikely strangers.

We rugged up as it was a frosty night, and headed to a club called LeDelirium (1 rue Mignard, 84000 Avignon).

The gypsy style music made dancing irresistible so we were soon all on the dance floor. Unlike Australian clubs it catered for 20 through to 60 year olds…it was filled with lounge chairs, books, dimly lit chandeliers, a large, ancient timber bar and a jam-packed dance floor. Several hours of dancing later, friendships were formed and we vowed to meet for coffee in the morning.

I thought how easily that night may have been different…I could have dined alone, read my book and had lights out at 10, but taking a leap of faith, I had one of the most memorable nights I’ve ever had in one of my favourite French cities.

I awoke to the sound of my mobile, and that “where am I today” feeling. It was Michael calling as our son Jamie was heading off to a surf camp for the week and wanted to have a chat. It is a whole other life for me back home, where school commitments, sporting agendas, Hopewood brides and guests fill my days. Here my only thought that morning was “what will I have for breakfast?”

Breakfast at La Mirande was a feast for the senses. I was one of the first to arrive and I was in for treat. The breakfast room was bathed in winter light and decorated in soft pastel colours, floral curtains, gilt highlights, and Louis XV furniture. A central table of grand proportions had a mouth-watering display of cereals, breads, homemade conserves, fruit and chacuterie, all served in antique crystal bowls and glazed confit pots.

Even the coffee here was good, though I did opt for a chocolat au chaud for the second cup and wasn’t disappointed.

Above: The kitchen table d’hote at La Mirande, breakfast at La Mirande, Palais de Papes, Vox Populi, Hydropolis Page French & Country

... the cocktail bar at La Mirande in Avignon is like no other I have been to ... a visual feast.

Throughout the hotel there are places to relax and enjoy afternoon tea, pre dinner drinks and in season, the restaurant with it’s spectacular ceiling, to dine. Martin and his family took over the derelict building several years ago and began the process of restoration, purchasing antique doors, windows, tapestries, curiosities and furniture to ensure the integrity of the magnificent building remained in tact.

The hotel is ideally located next to the Palais de Papes, one of the most important medieval Gothic historical palaces in Europe - once the residence of the Popes in 1309 - a fascinating place to spend a few hours. They provide an audio tour that enhances the whole experience and gives you an interesting and succinct history.

It is a very easy city to explore on foot, just minutes walk to the Pont, the markets, restaurants and the TGV. Hotel La Mirande in Avignon French & Country

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Hotel La Mirande in Avignon Page 10 French & Country

Hotel La Mirande in Avignon French & Country

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Nimes NIMES - I love the transport network in France. In the many years of coming to France I haven’t ever attempted to drive. I’ve either paid a translator/antique guide or travelled from town to town by train/bus or on foot. Next trip I challenge myself to hire a van, a GPS and I’ll drive to all the off the beaten track places that I know are waiting to be discovered. For this trip

though, I stuck firmly with the TGV. I headed from Avignon to Nimes, the city of my next inspiring hotel, “Hotel Jardins Secrets”. The taxi ride from the TGV to the hotel was so close the driver barely got out of first gear, so I really could have walked, however once in the garden courtyard I felt like I was a million miles from anywhere.

Above and top: Jardins de la Fontaine, Nimes

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Above: My chambre and above right another of the guest rooms at Hotel Jardins Secrets - Nimes

It is hard to put into words the beauty of this hotel. As I was the only guest, due to it being a Sunday in the middle of winter, I enjoyed the fantasy that this piece of paradise was my own. From the moment I arrived to the ancient stone walled surrounds of the courtyard I knew I was in for a treat. The hotel sits in a quiet street, surrounded by buildings equally as beautiful. Pale stone, faded pale blue shutters, olive trees, iron lanterns.

I was met by a charming Polish staff member, Magda, who led me past the pool, daybeds, lanterns (note to Page 14 French & Country

self…must return in Summer) and led me through a grand front door, into the oldest part of the building, to my chambre.

Ah, my room! It was a dream. A marvellous monotone “Psyche” roman wall panel from my favourite wall paper supplier, Zuber & Cie, hung above the king size bed dominating the room. All around me was a superbly elegant assemblage of antique furniture, marble fireplace, writing desk, collection of latest magazines, and then the piece de resistance, the bathroom! The antique bath cloaked in a heavy vel-

vet canopy, a pair of antique sinks, Cote Bastide toiletries, luxurious towels piled on timeworn chairs, glass containers of all sizes housing cotton balls, dried herbs and other decorative items…I was in heaven.

Would I ever tear myself away?

The sweeping staircase that lead to my room was dimly lit by a crystal chandelier of gigantic proportions and the walls were clad with antique portraits in gilt frames. Magda was generous with her time and led me through the various lounge areas, the stunning hotel kitchen, panelled hallways with an antler collection

Bathe in opulence at Hotel Jardins Secrets

like no other, the grand dining room, the newly built Hammam/Spa room and even some of the other guest rooms. Each room is styled uniquely however with the common thread of antique furniture, exquisite fabrics and wallpapers and trademark indulgent bathrooms.

The owners, one a decorator, and one a photographer, are welcoming and encourage you to relax in any of the rooms as if they were your own. The two resident cats are certainly doing so, curled up on

antique chairs, one by the fire, one in another room by the grand piano.

Beautiful tiny birds are housed in antique birdcages throughout the house and provide a lovely soundtrack in the background, chirping and tweeting. I’d be happy to be one of the cats or birds if it meant I could live here!

Having never been to Nimes I thought I should drag myself away from the hotel and explore this interesting Roman town. Nimes is the capital of the Gard depar-

ment and has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire. The key places to visit when in Nimes are the beautiful Jardins de la Fontaine, with spectacular views over the gardens and Nimes below; the Roman Ampitheatre which is the best preserved Roman ampitheatre in France and was once filled with medieval housing, now used for concerts and bull fighting; the Maison Caree, a small Roman temple built circa 19BC. And of course you can just wander the streets surFrench & Country

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“ the roman style spa and hammam is for your exclusive use when you indulge in one of the many unique,

luxurious treatments on o ffer at Hotel Jardins Secrets ...�

The Spa at Hotel Jardins Secrets

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rounding the quai de la Fontaine.

A flea market is held each Monday in the carpark near Jardins de la Fontaine, which was fairly quiet in January but increases in size as the warmer months approach. I purchased some beautiful antique linen here and could have purchased some beautiful art and decorative items had I not been travelling by TGV! Armand, the vigneron I met at La Mirande has a cousin, Jean Louis, who owns a homewares store in Nimes, “Cabinet de Curiosite”, 3 Place du Marche, Nimes. He is usually closed on Mondays but opened up for me and he was an absolute delight. I purchased some beautiful antique frames, sconces and curtain tiebacks, shades and other decorative items. His store is a mix of old and new, but unique,

one off lampshades are a speciality. It is packed from the floor to the ceiling with decorative pieces, so luckily I was the only one in the store as I don’t know how another person could have squeezed in!

Also luckily for me, Jean Louis was heading to the Paris Maison et Objet fair so he would deliver my purchases to my hotel in Paris. Perhaps a ploy for me to buy more … which of course I then did. The next day I headed to another favourite town, Uzes, which is an easy 20 minute taxi ride away taking us over the Pont du Gard, a well preserved aqueduct built by Agrippa that once carried water across the small Gardon river valley. Sadly in January most of the dealers and retailers close as the tourist trade slows.

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{Paris Re-visited} Above: Saint Germaine en Laye.

From Nimes I caught the TGV to Lyon 470km from Paris in the Rhone-Alpes region. Often referred to as a mini Paris, due to its numerous bridges and beautiful architecture, it is a major centre for business and is well known for it’s gastronomy. It is the second largest metropolitan area outside Paris and was once known as the silk capital.

Here I was scheduled to visit an antique fair at Euroexpo and stayed once again with Madam De Souza at Hotel Belle Cour, an affordable room within a townhouse on the famous Belle Cour sur Cour. I like this B&B as it is so centrally located, clean, friendly and rather like having my own studio apartment.

The fair was interesting but on a day that will probably rank as one of the coldest days I had ever had in all my years of visiting France, it was hard to remain focused. The fair is expansive, both interior and exterior, with professional antique dealers spreading their wares

throughout the exhibition centre.

Vendors of more rustic goods had to brave the elements and display their wares in the carpark, and the finer furniture pieces, art and decorative items were displayed inside.

Luckily there are two cafes doing a roaring trade with hot drinks and hot chips…anything hot to stop the dealers and buyers from freezing!

I bought a few pieces there before heading back to Paris and Hotel Saint Vincent, where I was booked back into floor one and a half. A curious thing.

I’ve decided I love being in Paris with a purpose. It makes you interact with the city in a different way than being a tourist. By having a purpose, you discover out of the way places and have chance meetings that can lead you on to new experiences and suppliers.

It was like that when I was buying clothes for my daughter Em in a little boutique in the Saint Germain area. I liked the labels, beautiful

cashmere and accessories so I enquired after the brands. Were they French as I’d like to stock some in my French & Country store? The helpful sales staff suggested that I head to the Paris Fashion fair, which happened to be on at the time. I was planning a third day at Maison et Objet, however as it was the last day of the Fashion fair, I caught a cab to the outskirts of Paris and found myself transported into another world! After registering, I had several hours to explore over 100 aisles of clothing, footware, jewellery and accessories. It was almost overwhelming, however as with the Homewares fairs, I soon had my eye in and could quickly eliminate those suppliers that didn’t fit my look. I did find some beautiful new labels, soft organic cotton tee shirts, cashmere knits and the unique and beautiful jewellery and scarves by Sophie Dugard. I look forward to bringing these beautiful pieces to French & Country French & Country

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Top: Paris Fashion Fair; Middle row: Paris Musee Carnavalet; unique items from Serendipity - the lamp and shade is in our new French & Country stock arriving lateSpring 2010; Bottom Row: - Hidden Hotel, Paris.

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Above Apicius; right Restaurant Ante Prima

showroom for late Spring and Autumn 2011. Maison et Objet presented me with some new suppliers that I look forward to showcasing late 2010: some new designs in the Vox Populi lighting range, gorgeous hand made ceramics, stunning Swedish bed linen and home linens

by Himla, and great decorator pieces and lighting from Belgium. I am also bringing in wallpapers by Zuber & Cie whose magnificent French and Roman panoramic scenes grace the walls of my favourite hotels, Hotel Particular in Arles and the Hotel Jardins Secret in Nimes, to name a few and soon the bathrooms at Hopewood. I also have a few rugs coming in that are more Morroccan in style, in the earthy decorator colours that team so well with the Provincial style that I love.

One of my suppliers of men’s clothing and linen homewares, ‘Hidden Cabin’, have recently undertaken the decoration of a boutique hotel in the 17th arr. called Hidden Hotel (www.hiddenhotel.com) It is rustic, decorated with weathered oaks and linen and environmentally conscious. I had a few nights there and whilst it was interesting and visually beautiful, I do love the familiarity of my beloved Saint Germain and really missed the streets around Rue Jacob and my other favourite local haunts. Having said that, it once again forced me to explore new areas, and I had some chance discoveries when walking the area. After failing to find good local eateries that were not touristy, I was enchanted by a Grand Hotel Particuliar and it’s lovely trattoria style Italian restaurant “Ante Prima” at 137 Rue du Faubourg, Saint-Honore, Paris 75008 (Tel 0145634343). I admired the building, the inner court-

yard with it’s stone fountain, and on closer look, saw that there was a little restaurant in the courtyard of this magnificent building, with just a few tables so you could dine amongst this grandeur. I went to the Restaurant’s main entrance and instantly booked a table for an hours time. I needed to refresh as I’d been walking the streets for ten hours, and although my feet could barely get me back to the hotel, I was determined to experience a little piece of this architectural gem. The restaurant was Italian with a small, seasonal menu … I could have selected any of the offerings and been more than happy.

I was spoiled by the service and attention of the staff, particularly the manager, a lovely Italian man in his mid twenties, passionate about food, learning English and the desire to visit Australia one day soon. I enquired as to what the magnificent building whose grand courtyard I was privileged enough to be dining in, was used for. He explained that it was privately owned but leased to a film company and a fine dining restaurant, Apicius, (www.restaurant-apicius.com) with revered chef, Jean-Pierre Vigato at the helm. The restaurant was in the front of the Hotel Particuliar, 20 Rue d’Artois, 75008 Tel 33(0)1 43801966 and he said I MUST see it to see how beautiful the gardens were leading up to the restaurant’s entrance … amazing in the heart of Paris, a stone’s throw from Champs Elysee. After my delicious dinner, I dragged my weary body around to see the front of the property as instructed and was surprised to find a glorious garden, a magnificent building boasting a Michelin star restaurant, which, I’m guessing will have a price tag to match.

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During my stay in Paris, I had a spare day and was keen to venture out of the centre of Paris. Versailles was a thought, but given the cool weather I thought I ‘d save that for warmer months. My friend Sharon, who has a stunning French business, Blanc Leger (www.blancleger. com), used to live near St Germain en Laye just 19 km out of Paris. I remember her driving me there for lunch and shopping a few years ago and I was taken by it’s beauty. It is an easy RER train ride (Line A), about 30 minutes from Paris, and well worth the trip. It has elegant tree lined streets, and is the wealthiest suburb of Paris, combining high end residential and sporting facilities. The architecture is beautiful, founded in 1020. Prior to the French Revolution in 1789, it had been a royal town and the Chateau de St Germain was the residence of numerous French monarchs. Saint Germain en Laye is famous for its 2.4 km long stone terrace built by Andre de Lotre in 1673 and this terrace provides a stunning view over the valley of the Seine and in the distance, Paris. There are high quality shops, restaurants and cafes. If I were ever to live in Paris, this would be an area high on my wish list.

DAY TRIP NOTES

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DECORATING IDEAS

Inspiring decorating ideas from this trip...

Rugs on floorboards or neutral sisal carpet can be changed seasonally‌ muted, earthy tones for autumn/winter, fresher striped styles for spring/summer in black/ white, taupe or grey/white or for beach house style, blue/white.

Dried fruits, seeds, nuts, herbs and olive and rosemary leaves assembled in glazed earthenware pots and oversized lidded glass jars to embellish kitchen benches and sideboards, adding life and energy to often hard, clinical surfaces.

Flea market finds such as old bread/pastry boards, salt/sel and allumettes (matches) holders can be hung and used to add a touch of Provence to your kitchen.

Fill a glass fronted cabinet or open bookshelves with collections of cookbooks, beautiful ceramic plates, pewter/glass storage jars, jam pots filled with seasonal jams to use and give as gifts.

Use bespoke lamps on tables throughout the house, with carefully selected and unique shades made from parchment, wax, feather and decorative paper.

Use occasional chairs with side tables in entrance rooms, hallways, bath and bedrooms, and incorporate candleabra, photoframes and lamps to create vignettes in spaces that are often overlooked.

Collect interesting, decorative books and pile throughout the house on mantelpieces, by the fireplace, on side tables.

Beautiful birds in birdcages indoors add such energy to the room, and provide a beautiful soundtrack to the day ‌ be prepared to clean every other day though as they can be messy!

Mirrors and art of all shapes and sizes on walls, wrap the chain if exposed in muted velvet or linen to soften and decorate.

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In bathrooms, think outside the square and treat it like other ‘living’ rooms of the house by placing a beautiful, unique chair or footstool piled with fresh white towels. If room permits decorate a side table placed next to the bath or a small glass fronted armoire and fill with collections of vintage perfume glass bottles and glass vases with cotton buds, oils etc, old books, vintage bathroom accessories such as old hand mirrors, tortoise shell handled shaving brushes etc.

Use wallpaper as art – Zuber & Cie panoramic panels and Brunschwig & Fils papers are ideal to frame and use as art in all rooms of the house, and can be mounted on to boards, framed and then you can always take them with you should you move!

Paint finishes – experiment with paint finishes on doors, frames and walls, drag and age to have unique impact.

Decorate useful pieces such as coat/hat stands with books, walking sticks, hats, fresh flowers, coats.

Bring rooms to life through everyday, useful objects that tell a story and show that people actually live in the house!

If you have expanses of plain walls, consider adding timber panels and mouldings to add interest. You can paint the walls and mouldings the same colour so that just the shape adds interest, or the panelling below the chair rail can be one colour and then wall paper above to create a more intimate, cosier space. Mirrors and wall sconces can then be added on top of the wallpaper to imbue a richness.

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Below: One of the rugs I am bringing in for Spring ... they are quite Morroccan in style, in the earthy decorator colours that team so well with the Provincial tones that I love.

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SHOPPING

Joe Black Mens and Boyswear to die for 30 rue du Bac 75007 www.joeblack.fr Chercheminippes Depot Vente chain, charity shops for clothing, homewares and children’s wear. 6 spaces across Paris 102 rue du Cherche Midi 75006 www.chercheminippes.com L’oeil du Pelican 13 rue jean Jacques Rousseau 75001

PARIS As’Art African Art and decorative pieces 3 Passage due Grand Cerf 75002 Rickshaw Asian decorative pieces 7 Passage du Grand Cerf 75002 Au Petit Bonheur la Chance Unique kitchenalia and stationery 13 rue Saint Paul 75004 Art Up Art sold according to size of canvas, 100s of pieces available to buy on the spot and they can ship worldwide.

39 Ave Daumesnil, 75012 Espace Buffon Mix of old and new decorator pieces, clothing and garden wares 27 rue Buffon 75005 Aux Trois Singes 23 rue St Paul 75012 Page 28 French & Country

Collectables and curiosities Merci Stunning Concept store with the pick of fashion, homewares, stationery and bookshop/café 111 Bvd Beaumarchais 75004 www.merci-merci.com Sarah Lavoine architecture Interior/Exterior Showroom 49 Ave Roch 75001 www.sarahlavoine.com La Cabane de l’Ours Village Saint Paul Le Marais 23 rue Saint Paul 75004 www.lacabanedelours.com Gorgeous rustic cabin interiors store with bespoke pieces made from iron and recycled timbers AVIGNON Cour Interieure 54 rue Joseph Verneil 84000 06 73 34 94 56

Au Jardin de Provence Boutique Decoration 2 rue Petite Fusterie 84000 Vox Populi 20 rue petite fusterie 84000 Avignon Decorative pieces made from wire & vintage fabric NIMES Cabinet de Curiosite 3 Place du Marche Nimes Jam packed store of decorative pieces and stunning lamp shades

PLACES TO STAY PARIS Hotel Saint Vincent 5 Rue du Pre aux Clercs 75007 +33 (0)1 42 61 05 51 www.hotel-st-vincent.com/anglais Hotel Particulier Montmartre Pavillon D, 23 Avenue Junot, 75018 +33 (0)1 53 41 81 40 www.hotelparticulier-montmartre.com - 5 room chic hotel that was once a Grand mansion in the bohemian Montmartre district Hotel du Moulin Petit 29/31 rue de Poitou, 75003 www.hoteldupetitmoulin.com Mije Hostel in the heart of Paris, located in aristocratic townhouses in the Marais district. www.mije.com UZES La Miason de la Bourgade 31 rue Peite Bourgade 30700 Uzes www.lamaisondelabourgade.com NIMES Hotel Jardins Secret 3 rue Gaston Maruejols 30000 33(0)4 66 84 82 64 www.jardinssecrets.net AVIGNON La Mirande 4 Place de la Mirande +33(0)490 142 020 www.la-mirande.fr

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PLACES TO DINE

PARIS Le Palais de The’s Teashop 64 rue vielle du Temple, 75003 T’Cha La Maison de The 6 rue du Pont de Lodi La Tete dans les Olives Tastings of olive oils, olives, herbs www.latetedans les olives.com 2 rue Saint le Marthe, 75010

Mai Thai Cuisine du Siam 24 bis, rue Saint-Gilles 75003 www.maithai.fr Delicious thai food, great lunch specials and atmosphere +33(0)1 42 72 18 77 Au 35 35 Rue Jacob 75006 +33(0)1 42 60 23 24 Delicious local French/Italian Open 7 days UZES Chez Francoise 22 bd Gambetta 30700 Uzes 04 66 01 00 07

Le 1 Place Vendome 1 place Vendome +33(0)1 55 04 55 60 Stylish (though expensive!) bistro hideaway Market 15 Avenue Matignon Christian Liagre designed market fresh fusion cuisine, Great location 33 (0)1 5643 4090 La Societie 4 Place Saint Germain, 75006 Another Christian Liagre designed, Saint Germain restaurant in the Costes brothers stable. Interesting, sophisticated crowd. Divine!

Baan Lek Cuisine du Siam 7 rue de Jarente, 75004 www.baanlek.com When you’ve had enough of jambon & fromage!

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TEXTILES & WALLPAPERS Zuber & Cie www.zuber.com Brunschwig & Fils www.brunschwig.com/wallcover Giardini Wallcoverings www.giardiniwallcoverings.it Himla www.himla.se

PLAYLIST Favourites from the music playlist I compiled for my TGV travels!

Dance with Me - Mano de Dios Volveras - Mano de Dios Dance Me to the End of Love - Madeleine Peyroux Tango - Chris Murphy Warm Air - Vanessa Mae Comptine D’un Autre Ete - Yann Tiersen Untouched - Bart Armand Down on my Knees - Ayo Concerto for two Violins in D minor - Australian Chamber Orchestra Ode to Simplicity - Secret Garden Nocturna - Meeco Like a Star - Corinne Bailey Rae Fall at your Feet - Clare Bowditch Vision - Hildegard Von Bingen

MUSEUMS Musee Carnavalet An absolutely heavenly and inspiring place to get lost for hours.

It occupies two neighbouring mansions right in the heart of the Marais. Over 2600 paintings, 800 pieces of furniture, miniature models of Paris, stunning murals and architectural details.

23 rue de Sevigne 75003 +33(0)1 44 59 58 58 www.carnavalet.paris.fr

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