French Country Living in Normandy

French Country Living in Normandy

Built in about 1800, in a village close to Normandy coast this elegant brick manor is the very essence of French country living. In 2003 when Hamburg interior designer Peter Nolden bought the house, the interiors were in terrible shape and the grounds were filled with ruined farm sheds. So began his labor of love where bricked-up windows were reinstated and all the plumbing and electrical wiring was replaced. Let's have a closer look. The fabulous entry - Notice the wrought iron railings and marble tile floors. Marble is set on the diagonal to give the illusion of a larger space. I love the formal entry with the rustic elements of the slat chair and tin topped table.

Nolden salvaged every possible item he could re-use and found much of the original decorative panelling could be repaired. I really like the splashes of unexpected color in this living room; the green upholstered chairs, the red painted table and the chartreuse lampshade. I also adore all the light fixtures in this room - notice the sconces and the chandelier.
What a kitchen!!! The brick, the chandelier, the stove, the skirted cabinets, scalloped apron farm table and copper pots - so very french!!
Enter the sunny Breakfast Room - I love the plates hung on all the walls and the wonderful architectural detail on the windows. Cafe Au lait and croissants?
All the paint colours are from Peter's own range of paints, furniture bought in France, Sweden and Italy as well as certain pieces that he designed and had made for the house. I usually like neutral colors but I adore this room! Perhaps its the pair of paintings of the french countryside.

What french manor would be complete with out a toile bedroom. I like the touches of antique toile fabric framed and on the pillows.

Views from the window showcase the beautiful formal gardens.

Or enjoy the gardens from the shade of the outdoor patio. A labor of love by Peter Nolden and spectacular French Country home tour for us!