Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A 15th Century French Castle With a Contemporary Interior
This French castle underwent a complete and radical makeover and now boasts a sleek contemporary interior
After some intense years of city life, Anne-Marie and Thierry decided to relocate to the Périgord region of France. They purchased a 15th century castle, which had been rebuilt in the 17th and 19th centuries, and wanted to give it a new lease a life. Alain Dupe, manager of A3Design, took on the project, which involved a total interior renovation of all three floors (1,614 sq ft each) as well as work on the structural joists of the building.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Thierry and Anne-Marie
Location Sarlat, in the Périgord region
Size 4 bedrooms
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Thierry and Anne-Marie
Location Sarlat, in the Périgord region
Size 4 bedrooms
Behind its traditional facade, the Chateau de Maraval, located near the town of Sarlat, hides an ultra-contemporary interior following the renovation. The works started in 2012 and were completed in July 2014.
The swimming pool was entirely renovated too and the owners and their guests are able to make the most of the French summer around the pool which is at the heart of the estate.
An outdoor seating area and terrace allow the owners to enjoy the early hours of the day outside. The plants on the terrace connects the castle to the five hectares of land on which it stands.
Two back-to-back Boca sofas were placed in the centre of this reception room which was decorated with white walls, ceiling and floor. The sofas offer a perch to contemplate the paintings hung on each wall. The space acts as an area of relaxation and contemplation, and the traditional feel links the historic castle with its contemporary redesign.
The owners opted for white floors, walls and ceilings, but decided to go the opposite way with furniture, with a strong choice of colour. Electric blue and white sofas in the living room inject vibrancy into the space.
Check out 9 ways to be brave with colour
Check out 9 ways to be brave with colour
‘It was a strong choice to go with a contemporary interior,’ acknowledges Alain, ‘but one with soft energy,’ he adds. Soft white spaces lead onto one another, creating a natural and simple flow of movement.
Bright coloured doors disrupt the clean white lines of the hallway, adding interest to the space. The wardrobe doors are hand-painted, and reminiscent of the abstract ‘Compositions’ of Piet Mondrian.
Three windows flood the kitchen with daylight. The furniture is black yet discreet, and the room has a bright and spacious feel. The ceiling is suspended, and gives the room structure.
The staircase is made of steel and built by a company based in Strasbourg that specialises in large-scale works. It strengthens the walls of the construction, and it also acts as a light shaft. It extends from the cellar to the rafters. ‘Without a doubt, this is the centrepiece of the home,’ explains Alain.
In one of the four bedrooms, dark floors are combined with soft tones in white and cream. Each bedroom is decorated differently, ‘the goal was to offer different universes to each guest,’ says Alain. The themes were decided by the owners and range from zen to flamenco, to Gustav Klimt, Anne-Marie’s favourite artist.
In this bathroom, a mirror was added to the shower panel, bringing depth to this relatively compact space. This is an easy, efficient and quite inexpensive way to give the illusion of space in a smaller room.
The colour scheme of the second bedroom black, navy and white. The contrast between the black and white gives the room its style; simple, calm and relaxed which echoes the quietness of the castle and its park.
See more monochrome schemes
See more monochrome schemes
The furniture was designed by A3Design specifically for the homeowners. The lines are strict and contemporary, and the colours are intense and at times vivid, playing a major role in the style and character of the castle.
Speckled grey and white tiles are used in the adjacent bathroom, and a light coloured floor brings softness to the space. Wall mirrors, a towel rail and two sinks are elegant and practical additions to the room.
For a livelier atmosphere, vivid colours were used in the third bedroom in the orange chair and checked rug . A dark wooden floor gracefully restores some balance to this colourful room.
In this bathroom, the architect decided to go with a caramel and brown tiling on the walls, and a neutral floor to reflect the outside light. The wooden sinks add a rustic touch to this contemporary space.
The fourth bedroom makes a statement in red, and is bathed in natural light through the two windows.
A black and red desk, with matching chair, adds to the aesthetic of the fourth bedroom. ‘We wanted to bring maximum comfort to all the rooms, and especially to the bedrooms,’ says Alain Dupe. With this in mind, all of them are equipped much like a high-end hotel room.
Red and black are also used in the adjacent bathroom to continue on the colour scheme of the bedroom.
The well-being of the owners and guests is not taken lightly. A small fitness room is now located in the newly renovated basement area of the castle. Dark wooden floors and cream walls ensure that bright colours won’t distract those trying to exercise.
The Jacuzzi room is the perfect addition the fitness and spa area of the castle. Decorated in warm tones, the room provides a well-deserved spot for relaxation… with the addition of an artificial starlit ceiling.
TELL US…
What do you think of this French castle? Tell us what you like about this in the Comments below.
TELL US…
What do you think of this French castle? Tell us what you like about this in the Comments below.