As if by chance, I stumbled upon a house for sale in Provence in the south of France. I would like to believe that it was no coincidence but a sign from the universe that it was time to change my life. Well, I’m not exactly that gullible. But it still gave me the opportunity to dream away from this lingering winter that still hasn’t quite let go. So it can only be right for the spirits of life that I indulge in a little daydreaming.
Here is my “Maison de rêve” (dream house) à vendre (for sale). A stone building, as it should be, with a large garden. But it is not only a house to live in, but you can also rent it out à la Bed & Breakfast. So with the house also comes a small business. Not against me. I can very well imagine walking around like a housewife with keys in a belt and taking care of guests with the ambition that they will have an experience beyond the ordinary.
This is the garden. A little more of a park feel with lots of flowers wouldn’t be amiss. But it’s good enough as it is, I say, lacking green fingers…
There is also a swimming pool, an absolute necessity in Provence when it’s a little too far to the Mediterranean Sea.
And now I get to the fun part. The decor. I can imagine going straight to French country, almost. The color scheme is the very essence of the French country style. It is considered that the Shabby chic style is an extension of this, but in my eyes they do not have much in common. Shabby is stripped white while French country has a palette of colors. The base is neutral with soft tones of cream, light yellow, light brown and accent colors such as rust.
This is how I like to see the living area in the house. A large room that “floats” between outside and inside and with several seating areas.
Here is the dining room where breakfast is served. Rustic furniture fits in nicely with the style.
Of course, it should also be possible to sit outside and dine and enjoy the warm evenings. Often a dinner with a fixed menu is served at B&B places. It is called “table d’hote” and literally means the host’s table. The meaning is that the host invites his guests to the family dinner, but the guests have to pay of course.
Having dinner outdoors surrounded by warm breezes is something I hope my guests appreciate .
A slightly more modest patio for breakfast perhaps.
There should also be a small, secluded social area in the lounge suitable for low-key conversations.
Then we come to the guest rooms. There are five of them. Here I would put my soul into creating comfortable and beautiful interiors. Preferably with a “breathtaking” feel.
The first room has a slightly bohemian feel, with a bathroom in the same spirit.
Room no. 2 will have a blue toile de jouy theme. Maybe a bit too much of the stuff, you might think. But I’m going all in anyway.
Guest room 3 feels a bit spartan but at the same time has a historical feel. The color scheme should be neutral in the beige range. Compensate for the spartan with a luxurious large bathroom. It’s okay to use silk curtains in the bathroom, but what can’t you do for a little flair.
Guestroom 4 will be the luxury suite with a lavender theme. Lavender is a hallmark of Provence.
The bathroom gets a darker purple hue and wonderful sparkling mosaic in the shower.
Room 5 will be the mini-suite. White is not exactly a practical color in this context, but sometimes you have to sacrifice practicality for beauty. The attached bathroom will have a typical Provencal touch.
Then, of course, madame herself (me) should have her own little private oasis for much-needed rest after the day’s work.
And why don’t I let this dream life come true then? Unfortunately, there are always obstacles. In this case, well guess what, the price of the property of course. It’s not just coughing up 10 million like that. It takes many years to count back such an investment. But dreaming is fortunately free.
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