Houzz Tour: Bright, Rustic Cottage in France
A quaint medieval cottage in the picturesque Dordogne Valley offers historical charm and modern comforts
Houzz
June 26, 2012
Lifestyle blogger Stephanie Brubaker wakes up each day to a view of a castle next door. "It's surreal. I don't care too much that the church bells ring at 7 every day. The view more than makes up for it," she says. She fell in love with Beynac, France, and the rustic cottage, La Maisonnette, almost instantly. "It may sound strange, but we felt more at home in Beynac than we did almost anywhere else in the world."
It's been four years since her love affair with the area and the house began, yet the small-town appeal of the village is still going strong. "All it took was 24 hours and my husband was already making arrangements to view La Maisonnette with the local real estate agent," says Brubaker. "And yes, there is only one in this tiny village."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Stephanie Brubaker, her husband and their children
Location: Beynac-et-Cazenac, France
Size: 1,100 square feet
That's interesting: The cottage is located in a protected heritage area within original medieval city walls, which means the Brubakers would need the approval of the chief architect of France should they decide to change the exterior.
It's been four years since her love affair with the area and the house began, yet the small-town appeal of the village is still going strong. "All it took was 24 hours and my husband was already making arrangements to view La Maisonnette with the local real estate agent," says Brubaker. "And yes, there is only one in this tiny village."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Stephanie Brubaker, her husband and their children
Location: Beynac-et-Cazenac, France
Size: 1,100 square feet
That's interesting: The cottage is located in a protected heritage area within original medieval city walls, which means the Brubakers would need the approval of the chief architect of France should they decide to change the exterior.
La Maisonnette is the gable-roof cottage on the left of this image; next to it is a well-maintained chateau built in the 12th century.
Lush vegetation gives the front entrance a colorful punch of pink and green while providing privacy.
A basket of groceries sits by the door. The bread and produce were all bought from the town's farmer's market. "The Monday market is the best time to shop for ingredients. But if you need a basic item or two, the small convenience store is the place to go," says Brubaker.
This very same kitchen area used to house the village's town oven, where village serfs would pay their lords a fee for use of the oven when baking bread. Brubaker, an avid baker and cook, loves this historical aspect of the cottage.
Pendant lights: Titan 1, Design Within Reach; wood kitchen cabinets: village carpenter; countertop, backsplash: Pierre de Burgogne
This very same kitchen area used to house the village's town oven, where village serfs would pay their lords a fee for use of the oven when baking bread. Brubaker, an avid baker and cook, loves this historical aspect of the cottage.
Pendant lights: Titan 1, Design Within Reach; wood kitchen cabinets: village carpenter; countertop, backsplash: Pierre de Burgogne
Brubaker kept the limestone walls and the beam ceilings on the ground level of the cottage; the home's exteriors and ground level blend perfectly with the other historic homes in the village. But the rest of the cottage has been updated to reflect the modern needs and global travel patterns of the family.
"The sideboard [this image] came with the home and dates to the 17th century — we can't bear to move it," says Brubaker.
"The sideboard [this image] came with the home and dates to the 17th century — we can't bear to move it," says Brubaker.
This image shows the master suite on the third floor, a converted attic. The process of "squeezing the furniture up the narrow stairs" required knocking down a small area and building the entire floor around the bed — and around the claw-foot tub, which Brubaker really wanted in her bath.
"Putting the bed and tub on the third floor — and installing an air conditioner — required efforts of epic proportions. No wonder only a few people have AC here," says Brubaker.
"Putting the bed and tub on the third floor — and installing an air conditioner — required efforts of epic proportions. No wonder only a few people have AC here," says Brubaker.
The claw-foot tub sits by the window, creating a perfect soaking and reflective nook. The view outside the window looks out onto the lush, castle-dotted valley. Only one house across the valley is visible from the tub, so privacy isn't a concern.
Terry-cloth bathrobes and the day's clothing usually hang on coat hangers by the bath. Walls are kept bare and free of hooks.
"I could finally breathe after the bath and the queen bed were in their rightful places. There's no turning back now," says Brubaker.
"I could finally breathe after the bath and the queen bed were in their rightful places. There's no turning back now," says Brubaker.
The Brubakers, who travel throughout the year, live here on and off. Vacationers who rent the space on a weekly basis ensure that the home is always occupied.
Here the guest bedroom comes alive with a colorful summer quilt folded by the foot of the bed.
Here the guest bedroom comes alive with a colorful summer quilt folded by the foot of the bed.
Twin beds in the guest room maximize the space and make room for a shared end table; the beds' placement also gives easy access to the window. Brubaker points out that all the armoires, tables and wood furnishings in the house were purchased in vintage shops around town.
"I sometimes crack open the window and let the breeze from the valley go through the room as an owl hoots nearby. It's incredibly calm and peaceful here," says Brubaker.
Every corner of the house can inspire your inner artist, Brubaker says. The town has served as an artists’ mecca, hosting artists such as Camille Pissarro and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
The home's picturesque location means the Brubakers often find themselves exploring little paths around the village, dining al fresco on regional cuisine or touring a nearby castle or two.
More:
So Your Style Is: French Country
More:
So Your Style Is: French Country
Related Stories
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Boston Pied-à-Terre Designed for Evenings
By Becky Harris
A designer found on Houzz infuses a condo with a sultry vibe inspired by supper clubs and luxe boutique hotels
Full Story
Guesthouses
Houzz Tour: Light-Filled 704-Square-Foot Modern Cottage
By Becky Harris
An architect and a designer create a light and airy feel, cozied up by layers of textures
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Organic Style on an Avocado Ranch
By Becky Harris
A designer uses a soft neutral palette, handmade tile and reclaimed wood to update a 1980s contemporary home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Elegant, Earthy Ranch House for an Empty-Nest Couple
Design styles, warm neutral colors and special details blend in a Minnesota ranch-style house with a finished basement
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Colorado Forever Home Is a Family Affair
By Becky Harris
The mountain home was designed for gatherings and to make the most of views of Pikes Peak and surroundings
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Open and Inviting Mountain Home Near Lake Tahoe
By Becky Harris
A designer creates a warmly minimalist California getaway that can stand up to snow and mud
Full Story
Homes Around the World
Houzz Tour: Period Home Gains Color and Character
By Kate Burt
Before-and-after photos show how a bold palette and restored features bring warmth and personality to this English house
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: New Home Gets a Midcentury Modern Makeover
By Julie Sheer
A designer in Boston reworks the kitchen and primary suite and adds style with furnishings, lighting and more
Full Story
Barn Homes
Houzz Tour: Old Barns Become an Airy, Modern-Rustic Home
A barn home in Devon, England, sits lightly on the land and offers simple, relaxing spaces for an extended family
Full Story
I love this house so much that it hurts!!!
Beautifully done and all the character preserved, just modern alongside without destroying its beauty. We have a 15th century place in France we are about to renovate so this is inspiring.