The story of Jinny Blom's restoration of her mother's house in the South of France is a testament to the power of personal connection and the joy that can be found in honoring a loved one's legacy. Blom, a landscape gardener with a promise to keep, found herself entrusted with a house in the medieval village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, a place that held deep resonance for her mother, Françoise.
Françoise, a gregarious and English-at-heart woman, had chosen this desolate and parochial village on a whim in the early 1990s. Her choice of home was a reflection of her unique personality and her love for France, where the family would spend every holiday. Blom's childhood was filled with memories of her mother's influence, from the Arts and Crafts-inspired garden at Hidcote Manor to her remarkable vegetable gardening skills.
The house itself, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, was a simple yet charming abode. Françoise had decorated it with white walls and Georgian furniture, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Her love for books was evident in the monumental quantities of books she had everywhere.
After Françoise's death, Blom and her husband, Marc Fox, decided to renovate the house as a means of keeping their promise and honoring their mother's memory. The restoration was extensive, with repairs to the roof, plaster walls, and stairs, as well as significant water damage to the wooden floorboards in the attic space.
Blom and Fox took inspiration from the former interiors of Hôtel des Marronniers in Paris, embracing an exuberant approach to pattern and color. They hung the walls with riotous Manuel Canovas papers and fabrics, creating a vibrant and playful atmosphere. Vintage furniture, such as the Arne Norell 'Ilona' sofa and 1960s rattan lounge chairs, added to the eclectic and charming decor.
One corner of the sitting room was conceived as a special tribute to Françoise, featuring a Georgian cabinet, a Russian samovar, and a small sculpture of Venus de Milo. Blom's love for art is evident in their impressive collection, including a landscape of trees by Hazel, Peggy Guggenheim's sister.
The renovation process was a passion project, and Blom found joy in honoring her mother's legacy. The house, now filled with joy and playfulness, is a testament to the power of personal connection and the enduring impact of a loved one's memory.
