Paint expert Annie Sloan’s farmhouse in the French countryside is both charming and eclectic.
And while her home in Oxford, UK is elegant, Annie has chosen a laid-back feel for the countryside home she shares with her husband David.
The couple bought the house 30 years ago and have developed and updated it to suit their growing extended family.
“I stencilled the walls in the dining room a long time ago using stencils found in a shop in France. I kept overlaying them fully and partly in several different colours until I was happy with the look. The Breton chairs are painted in toning colours that work well together.”
Annie Sloan
The farmhouse was built in 1776 and was livable, but only just – it originally had chickens living upstairs. “It’s not a grand house, so I wanted to bring out its original charm,” Annie explains.
Annie likes to source furniture from her home from local markets and vendors.
“I don’t believe it’s necessary to spend a lot of money on furniture,” she says.
“In France, I search for local vide-greniers – which literally means ’empty your attic.’ They are like street markets in little villages.”
“The house is incredibly unpretentious. The area isn’t touristy – the food is all cider, apples, pork and cream – so it’s a casual retreat.”
Annie Sloan
Photography: Bénédicte Ausset Drummond & Christopher Drake. Words: Judith Wilson.
For more information about Annie Sloan products, visit anniesloan.com
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