French attic conversion

I could picture the bunk room of my childhood dreams as soon as I peaked my head into the attic. a place where our poppets, their cousins and friends could hang out, cheat at monopoly, jump on the beds, dance, make a mess and spend their French summers sharing space far from the prying eyes of adults.

The staircase up was solid, the beams had a faded patina that only two hundred year old oak beauties can have, and we had the invaluable good fortune to have been introduced to the most wonderful local craftsman who shared our vision. With the false ceiling removed, insulation and plasterboard was added concealing the secondary framework, but leaving the main beams on show as the star of the space.

A small, simple bathroom was squeezed under the beams in a far corner, but we left the rest of the space open to fit a house party crowd and for comfy Friday night movie nights. The staircase leading up needed nothing but its hoarding removed, revealing last week the original spindles and balustrades in almost perfect condition, and was power washed back to its original finish.

I will fill the walls in time with the pictures of the cheeky little sweethearts who have stayed there, but for now, the only wall decoration is the original inventory list of napkins and crockery from the house’s time as an Auberge. Although renovating and refreshing, we are consciously trying to tread lightly and save these beautiful nods to the past, as it is these features that bring the most joy.

xxSara