The House at Hautefage was designed as a bucolic bolthole for writers, musicians and film-makers; a place of rest, retreat and rustication, perfect for the creative polish or final push. Of course, if you want to just kick back and enjoy the scenery, pool and the lovingly understated interior (two and a half years in the making), and leave your creative juices simmering elsewhere, you can do that, too.
The House At, as it’s known, is the work of interiors and furniture designer Jason Maclean and his business partner Amanda Gillis, of London deli and restaurant Villandry. The pair discovered a ramshackle French farmhouse in Lot-et-Garonne three years ago and decided to create somewhere simple that they could enjoy themselves and let to friends. And while the final work is an exercise in restraint, it is clear that Maclean and Gillis quickly developed bigger ambitions.
What really excited them was the open-plan grenier (attic), which they left much as it was, adding just a couple of Ueli Berger sofas. The five bedrooms team bare brick with white tiles, while some walls are lined with specially commissioned Eley Kishimoto wallpaper (Maclean set up the London Eley Kishimoto store). There’s a stainless steel kitchen from Tisettanta, with glass and kitchenware from Robert Welch. Arne Jacobsen ‘Swan’ sofas and Hans Wegner ‘Peacock’ chairs are dotted around, but this is much more than a deluxe refit furnished after a flick through 1000 Chairs.
Service levels are dictated by the guest. If you want your food shopping and cooking done, that can be arranged. And, as the retreat is in France’s gastronomic heart (there are two Michelin-starred restaurants within ten minutes’ drive), the food is something to get excited about. Indeed, so keen are Gillis and Maclean on local fare, they’re looking to produce a food range under The House At name, with a London store planned in the near future. The House At only opened last summer, but the pair are already thinking about adding a screening room, editing suite and recording studio. So if your rom-com, short film or difficult second album needs a little quality time and attention, this is the perfect place to retreat to.
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The House at Hautefage, Hautefage La Tour, France, . Rates vary according to requirements — e-mail info@thehouseat.com
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