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An early morning wander in the garden taking in all the flowers and sunshine before the madness of the day begins. I hope it’s sunny where you are too!
Today’s project for the honey suite - my first attempt at upholstery. I swapped the dirty pink velvet for a simple linen (I wasn’t brave enough to try using a patterned fabric yet). Upholstery is hardcore. My back and knees are killing me, but I’m so so pleased with how it turned out. I watched lots of @youtube videos to learn how to do this but by far the most helpful were the ones by @missmustardseed - so for all the lovely folk asking on my stories check out her YouTube for the videos. I just need to do the headboard now and then put the bed together. The honey suite is getting there. I promise to do a video tour as soon as I get it all together.
Our avenues of lime trees are in full leaf now. Creating lovely cool shade on warm sunny summer days. They lead you into the dappled light of the woods where you might see the deer hiding amongst the trees, or catch the flash of a hare racing away. Failing that you’re bound to see the cheeky face of one of our red squirrels peering at you from around a tree trunk, daring you to come closer before it scampers away up a tree out of sight.
The hydrangea are back in bloom and the sun is shining again - hurray. The lake is full to the brim and the drive is still a stream in places. But the water is slowly draining away and the mud is drying out. There is progress in the honey suite and everyone is feeling brighter. Have a lovely day everyone x
Reflections - sometimes it’s so easy to forget how far you come, especially when there is still so much to do. But a new week is beginning, fresh and bright (in spirit only because it’s still flipping raining and grey outside) and I’m hopeful that there will be more ticks on the list and more progress made so that some of you lovely lot can come and stay with us soon. Have a peaceful and restful Sunday everyone x
The light at the end of this week’s long, dark and muddy tunnel is pretty much finishing the sink unit in the Honey Suite (I just need to find a little brass handle for the drawer front). So, so pleased with how it turned out. The dressing table and mirror were from the brocante at Chateau chambord, the sink is original to the house and has cleaned up beautifully, the taps are French vintage from eBay and the tiles are from @firedearthuk - Tim has done an amazing job of putting it all together for me. Love you lots @t1mjones and thank you for putting up with my demands, tears and tantrums - it’ll all be worth it in the end I promise. Xxx
It’s tough sometimes this chateau renovation game. This week it’s been hard to see the bigger picture past, what in the grand scheme of things, are little problems and set backs. The tradesmen have returned and with them a level of mess and destruction we haven’t had to put up with for months. At the same time the rain came back just as the diggers arrived to dig up the underground gutters at the front of the house to stop damp seeping into the walls. Rain + diggers = more mud than is imaginable. In the long run this is progress but in the short term it is hideous. There have been tears and tantrums and maybe even a bit of foot stomping. But where there is wine there is a way. We’ll get there eventually I’m sure. Send positive vibes and hugs and chocolate from Waitrose. (Man I miss @waitrose).
It’s a misty morning here today. But the sky is blue and the brocantes are calling. Keep your fingers crossed that a huge mirror awaits me.
My name is Rebecca and I think my chandelier habit might be a little out of control! I’d like to say this is the whole collection but that would be a lie.
Wild abundance in a vase - beautiful garden roses gathered together with meadow flowers and grasses. The air is heavy here today, like it’s building for another storm - we’ll definitely batten down the hatches earlier today if it starts to threaten, to avoid anymore broken windows. Bon dimanche tout le monde x
Our country lane looking lovely in the morning sunshine. There’s a cool breeze today ruffling through the nettles and long grasses. Tiny pink flowers are dotted like stars in amongst the green. It’s a perfect late spring day. Have a lovely Wednesday everyone.
We are so, so chuffed and honoured to be featured on the blog of lovely Nat from @laid_back_farmhouse - I adore Nat’s style and home and I was so pleased when she asked to feature our story. You can read more about how we came to be here @chateaudelaruche at www.laidbackfarmhouse.com (direct link in Nat’s bio - definitely, definitely worth checking out her Instagram while you’re there). Have a lovely evening everyone xx