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 preserving a family's legacy. Blom, a landscape gardener by trade, took on the task of restoring her mother's home in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, a charming village in the southwest of France. This decision was not just a matter of keeping a promise, but a way to honor her mother's memory and the life she lived.
The house, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, was a simple, one-room-per-floor structure. It was left in a state of disrepair after Françoise's death, with a damaged roof, plaster walls, and wooden floorboards. Blom and her husband, Marc Fox, a former music executive, decided to take on the extensive renovation project, which proved to be a labor of love.
The couple's inspiration for the decorating came from the former interiors of the Hôtel des Marronniers in Paris, known for its tiny rooms adorned with toile de Jouy. They embraced an exuberant approach to pattern, adorning the walls with riotous Manuel Canovas papers and fabrics. This bold use of color and pattern is a signature of Blom's style, as seen in her work as one of Britain's most in-demand landscape designers.
The rooms are filled with a mix of vintage furniture and accessories, carefully curated by Blom and Fox. From the Arne Norell 'Ilona' sofa in the sitting room to the 1960s rattan lounge chairs in the attic, each piece tells a story. The couple is also avid art collectors, with a collection that includes a landscape of trees by Hazel, Peggy Guggenheim's sister, known for her fierce rivalry with her sister over men.
One corner of the sitting room is a special tribute to Françoise, featuring a Georgian cabinet, a Russian samovar, and a small sculpture of Venus de Milo. These items are not just decorative; they are personal mementos that evoke memories of her mother's life and the family's history.
The renovation process was not without its challenges, but Blom's dedication to her promise and her love for her mother's home drove her through the extensive work. The result is a house filled with joy and playfulness, a true reflection of Françoise's spirit and the family's legacy. Blom's work has been recognized with the Garden Designer of the Year award, and her passion for preserving family history is evident in her restoration of this beloved house in the South of France.
