Imagine
a small French farm house from the mid-19th century built around a central
courtyard, set in acres of rolling pasture with the snowcaps of the Pyrenees twinkling in the distance. That is the
"palette" I was presented with. I avoided renovating the original
manor, only retouching it lovingly to retain its simple splendor. The adjoining
barns were remodeled and converted with modern materials - steel and glass -
that accentuate what was added. The surrounding courtyards were remodeled to
incorporate flower and herb gardens, a pool, gravel paths and hedges.
The concept was to create an exciting dialogue between
new and old, a synthesis of past and present.