In the heart of Mougins, a beautiful yet timeworn 250-year-old bastide—a traditional Provençal farmhouse—has been brought back to life. This project, was a testament to the art of preserving history while embracing modern living. Drawing on my experience working on heritage properties, like a 300-year-old stone farmhouse I restored for a client seven years ago, I understood the unique challenges these structures present.

The Building’s History and Challenges

The bastide was built using stone, lime, and clay, materials typical of its time—cement was rarely used back then. Over the years, the structure had suffered significant wear. The wooden joists were rotten, often damaged by woodworm, and structural lintels needed urgent attention. This required careful replacement while maintaining the farmhouse’s character.

Structural Restoration and Stonework

We undertook stone and structural work:

  • Replacing Structural Wooden Lintels: Rotted beams were removed and replaced to restore stability.
  • Closing off the stairs from the library  A renovation of the internal flooring was carried out, and the stairs were removed to create a bedroom and En-suite shower room.
  • Open-Plan Staircase: To modernize the interior and increase light flow, we removed walls to create an open-plan stairway. The original uneven stairs were rebuilt  to make all stair treads even throughout, we then made elegant iron risers plus railings installing them on to the stairs. These stretched from the ground floor to the second floor.

Modern Comforts with a Traditional Look

While restoring the bastide’s historic charm, we incorporated modern amenities:

  • Five New Bathrooms: Designed and plumbed in completely new locations.
  • Reimagining Spaces: A bedroom was converted into a kitchen, and the kitchen was moved to a different area to suit the new design.
  • Updated Systems: All electrical work and air conditioning were rewired and replaced.
  • Stone Floors and Cladding: To honor the Provençal style, we installed stone tiles throughout and added stone cladding around door openings for an authentic finish.

Bespoke and Restored Finishes

Attention to detail was key to preserving the farmhouse’s soul:

  • Replacing original wooden doors with new  wooden doors, complementing the historic aesthetic.
  • Custom-built wooden features and pocket hidden doors added modern functionality while respecting the property’s heritage.
  • A striking glass and metal partition was crafted to divide the master bedroom upstairs, adding elegance and natural light.

The Result

The result is a perfect blend of traditional Provençal charm and modern functionality. By following my clients design vision, we transformed this aged farmhouse into a warm, bright, and liveable space tailored to their needs.

From meticulous stonework to bespoke finishes, this project reflects our dedication to restoring history while enhancing comfort and design for contemporary living.

Contact us now:

📞 06 26 10 19 08

📧 info@gm-renovations.com

🌐 www.gm-renovations.com

With GM Renovations, your ideal space is just a conversation away – every detail perfected! 🛠️