In the heart of the South of France, nestled within the medieval village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, lies a house with a captivating story. This is the tale of Jinny Blom, a landscape gardener with a deep sense of loyalty and promise-keeping, and her journey to restore her mother, Françoise's, cherished home. It's a story of love, family, and the power of colour and pattern to infuse a space with joy and playfulness.
A Promise Fulfilled
Jinny's promise to her mother, made before her passing in 2013, was to care for the house in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. This promise became a profound connection to her mother's legacy and a place of resonance. Françoise, a gregarious and English-at-heart woman, had chosen this desolate and parochial village on a whim in the early 1990s. Her decision was influenced by her love for France, where the family spent holidays visiting relatives, including Aunt Jenny, a Gauloises-smoking Ava Gardner look-alike. Françoise's influence on Jinny's career cannot be overstated; her visits to Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds instilled in her a deep appreciation for gardening.
A House Restored
After Françoise's death, Jinny and her husband, Marc Fox, initially let the house in the South of France. However, the extensive restoration work that followed proved to be a labour of love. The roof needed repairs, plaster walls had huge cracks, stairs had collapsed, and wooden floorboards in the attic were damaged by water. Inspired by the exuberant interiors of Hôtel des Marronniers in Paris, Jinny and Marc embraced a riotous approach to pattern, adorning the walls with Manuel Canovas papers and fabrics. They unearthed treasures from their home near Oxford, such as a 1950s French daisy chandelier and Verner Panton 'Flowerpot' pendant lights.
A Tribute to Françoise
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. Jinny's collection of art, including a landscape of trees by Hazel, Peggy Guggenheim's sister, showcases their keen interest in art. The house, with its one room per floor layout, is filled with Georgian furniture and books, reflecting Françoise's taste and love for literature.
A Passion Project
What began as a means to keep a promise evolved into a passion project. Jinny and Marc's renovation brought the house back to life, honouring Françoise's memory and creating a space filled with joy and playfulness. The house, now a testament to their hard work and love, is a place where Jinny can continue to keep her promise and preserve her mother's legacy.
A Legacy Preserved
Jinny Blom's restoration of her mother's house in the South of France is a testament to the power of family, loyalty, and the beauty of colour and pattern. It's a story that inspires and reminds us of the importance of honouring our loved ones and creating spaces that reflect their essence. Through her work, Jinny has not only preserved a house but also a legacy, ensuring that Françoise's spirit lives on in the heart of this charming village.
