Nestled in a secluded valley and surrounded by olive groves is this lovely country home that needed a modern makeover. Having been in the family for decades, and therefore replete with sentimental value and cherished memories, the brief entailed adding vitality, light and contemporary comforts without obscuring its essence.
In an effort to brighten up the spaces throughout, floors were changed to larger and lighter toned tiles, beams were painted and new interior lighting fittings were installed in all rooms. Some of the original features, such as the harsh iron window railings and curtain poles were retreated in a soft tone of rusted brass, while wooden windows were painted white.
The modernised and air-conditioned home is now an utterly appealing space to spend fun and lazy holidays, but the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the kitchen. Faithful to her passion for bright colour schemes, Justine liaised with the owner who was back in the UK, suggesting her chosen tone in the RAL colour chart for approval. Initial hesitancy was eventually met with happy surprise, upon seeing the bold blue bespoke units, the quartz stone work surfaces and wicker stools, all echoed in a cheerful flowery fabric window blind.
The blue, albeit in slightly more subdued tones, appears again in the lounge, combined with a touch of orange and stone, and in the outer shutters.
The bathrooms are a testament to old and new combined to create brand new stylish spaces, with antique units as washbasins, natural stone walls and soft brushed brass taps, with spaces and corners redesigned and repurposed.
The bedrooms feature a certain Moroccan feel, with carved headboards and matching side tables in two of them, soft-toned fabrics and a statement four-poster bed in the master suite.
Outside is the garden and porch surrounding the pool, with fresh white wicker furniture and a long solid wood table for family meals.
This Mediterranean holiday villa has now become an attractive and comfortable space that has managed to retain its original country feel while offering all the convenience of modern living.