Our house in Connecticut
Waking up to a red sunrise brightening a magnificent white landscape, birds on a feeding frenzy taking turns to the bird feeders, I could not dream of a more beautiful way to face the world.
A room with a view... my beloved Pyrenees from our balcony
I just returned from the French Pyrenees where my parents spend the winter.Ever since I could walk, I have skied this beautiful mountain. I am now at a point of my life where I am contemplating making changes and I feel that the mountains give me strength, peace and joy. I love to climb them, ski down at full speed or deep in powder, spend the summer nights, hiking and sleeping under the stars. The search for our mountain retreat has officially started.I don't know where yet...France, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana... I listen to my instincts and will know when my heart will palpitate at a faster rate : This is the one!
My dream retreat is a rustic architecture with huge windows and a warm contemporary feel. I tend to stay away from all the trappings of the "expected" ski chalet...log construction, cutesy fabrics, endless amount of checkered or tartan pillows and fur blankets... I favor an interior that is ultimately inviting, comfortable, ready to have a house full of friends and children but that will not compete with the view
All the above images are from my Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/interieurs/
Are you looking for a ski house? I would love to design it...
A Bientot,
Francine
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OMG, that 1st photo is wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous that you're going house-hunting (all over the world), this will be so much fun for all of you.
As I watch the European skiiers on the Olympics I totally understand that all of you were born to the mountains and to skiing. It's in your blood. Beautiful sentiments, Francine. xx's
Those pared down designs are much more my scene too, compared to the Ralph Lauren-ised theme park that seems to be de rigeur for ski chalets the world over, but especially in the US. We last skiied in Niseko, in Hokkaido and there was one stunningly pretty, modern but extremely comfortable house that I would have loved to own, (if I had a spare USD5m - or 10? - lying around).
ReplyDeleteThe mountains are always a source of renewal for me. Long, high country hikes and camping in the summer, breaking trail in snowshoes during the winter. You will definitely know when you find the right location. Something in the light and the air will guide you. Our retreat is Colorado, but there are so many wonderful places, each area so unique. Also....totally agree with you about keeping the interiors of a mountain home comfortable and balanced with clean lines.
ReplyDeleteYou had me with hello on this post! That third image is absolute perfection! Organic yet functional...
ReplyDeleteHow are you Dear Francine. I just had 4 days of bliss 40 degrees in Maine, like a summer day.
ReplyDeleteThat corner fire place is fabulous. Renee has started going to ski once a week, she loves
it. The Polar cold is coming back today, better fill the bird feeders.
yvonne
Sent a comment, where is it??
ReplyDeleteIf I were I would LOVE to have this! How beautiful, and a wonderful mix of warm and just enough air for comfort... also, and very exciting, I am visiting NYC next week—I'd love to meet you and stop in at your shop to say hello, finally! I do not have your email, so if possible, and when you have a moment, would you email me? sarah@leuie.com
ReplyDeleteWarmly, Sarah