Set in sprawling woodland just outside the French resort of St Tropez lies
interiors guru Linda Barker’s vacation villa. The former B&B cost
a cool £1.25million, plus a further £80,000 for a major facelift.
But the overhaul was no problem for TV makeover expert Linda, 47. She fell in
love with that part of France after holidaying there with her husband, TV
producer Chris Short, 49, and daughter, Jessica, 18, over the years. “I
adore the area – the food, the climate, the lovely people,” says Linda,
who’s taking lessons to brush up her French.
Last spring, she and Chris, along with close friends Vanessa and Mike
Wilderink, found the 20-year-old house and the four of them stayed the night
at the B&B before together putting in an offer on the property. Since
then, the six-bedroom house, named Villa De La Verne after the river that
runs through the surrounding wooded valley, has been given a complete
makeover.
Linda redecorated it with calming neutrals to create the perfect relaxing pad
for family and friends.
And sticking with what she knows, Linda imported much of her furniture – from
beds to sofas – from the UK. However, she adds: “I didn’t want to ship an
entire UK look to France. I go to the local brocantes [markets] to pick up
Provençal pieces.”
The two couples holiday at the villa and rent it out at other times of the
year. But it’s not just the interior that received Linda’s magic touch – she
transformed the courtyard too. Mixing old and new – with a contemporary
table and rattan chairs on rustic terracotta tiles – she created a stylish
BBQ area.
Lastly the family installed a heated pool to put a luxurious finish to the
French retreat, which Linda decorated with some oversized silver lanterns to
give it some extra va-va-voom!
Click here to find out how to get the Linda Barker look
TOP TIPS:
- The most weather-worn outdoor dining table can be stylishly hidden beneath a
crisp tablecloth
- Whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles and natural rattan will give that holiday
feel – whether you’re in St Tropez or St Albans!
- Use cream or beige for a cool, calming interior – but try adding some texture
with faux fur throws and rugs
COMPILED BY: SALLY
GILLAM PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOPE FEATURES FOR RENTAL DETAILS VISIT
VILLADELAVERNE.COM
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