19.8.13

Minimalist Monday: This Simple House



































































This is the one bedroom gîte that we rented for our holiday in France. I thought I'd show it to you as it ticks many minimalist boxes.

The steep, exposed beams gave the bedroom lots of character even though it was very simply furnished. There was an open plan kitchen/dining/living space (and downstairs loo) with stairs to the airy bedroom and generous bathroom (with washing machine). The kitchen was well equipped and there was a small balcony with table and chairs if we wanted outside space. White walls made the house feel light and airy and unified the decor. 

This home had just a few books and no TV. It was a wonderful base to switch off from the hubbub of everyday life and adopt a slow pace for a week or so. We enjoyed the deepest sleep we've had in ages, great views over the village and sun streaming in through the skylights.

Admittedly this was a child/teen-free home and so we didn't live with any of the background noise or debris that teenagers can create. This certainly helped us to relax and recharge, however, I think that the simplicity of the space also aided this.

Staying here made me think that living in a pared down home is good for the soul and it makes me more resolute to not overfill my house and to keep things simple. Simplicity can feel like a luxury.


You can see and read more about the gîte here.


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14 comments

  1. Your gite looks so lovely. I always find after a week away staying in rented accommodation I return home and feel frustrated about how much stuff we still have. We had a good clear out this weekend and removed 50 items including some jewellery. it feels so good.
    Sarah x

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  2. This looks delightful. You are so right that "simplicity can feel like a luxury". We spent our summer vacation in Alaska and stayed in various cabins, one was similar to your gite, just a bedroom, bathroom and living room/kitchen. No tv, internet etc, just complete quiet and the most amazing views to the mountains.
    (sorry to comment as anonymous, I don't know how to use the other options, my name is Christine).

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  3. Oh well said! I'm a great fan of simplicity that feels like a luxury. Enjoying your blog (and would like to link to this post tomorrow..)

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  4. It's lovely. Simplicity feels so wonderful and restful I think. I am planning lots of decluttering one I have decluttered the children back to school...

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  5. It looks wonderful and totally restful on the eyes and I should imagine the soul :-)

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  6. It's just perfect.

    I'm still not quite where I want to be with our 'stuff', but I'm getting there. This bedroom looks perfect.

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  7. It is beautiful and I would want to live there but the thing is it's the whole holiday thing isn't it? You leave your filled home and go to an utterly lovely EMPTY home. And you've put your whole week's needs into just one bag - I love travelling light! You've also left many responsibilities and routines at home too. It's like a fresh start. I am trying to achieve this in my every day life but it sure ain't easy!

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  8. I wonder if we manage to get our homes looking like this, what kind of holidays will we take to relax then?

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  9. What a beautiful room. The beams are awesome. Love the lace shadow photo.

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  10. This is one of those times when I can say that less is definitely more. The simplicity of the room makes it incredibly charming. And I love that bedroom window! It lets in just enough light for the space, and for some reason, I think it makes the room look romantic.

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  11. I just love the simplicty of that gite! off to see the other pics of it now!

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  12. What a beautiful room! I'm usually not fond of having skylights because my bedroom gets too much sun. But seeing this room and how well that window lets just enough light in to brighten up the space really makes me think twice about having one put in my room.

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  13. I think the skylight was perfectly installed at the right spot and angle. I like how much sunlight is in the room. It's not too bright which allows you to truly enjoy the vibrant ambiance.

    Joann  Winton @ AJC Roofing

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