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I am thrilled to share that my new book, Château Léoube: Provence Living, publishes with Vendome Press today. It is an incredibly personal project that has been two years in the making – a long time by any measure, but just a fraction of the time it took to restore the very special place that it celebrates.
Anthony and I spent over a decade searching for the perfect château. We didn’t want to be close to Nice, St Tropez or Cannes as they were too busy – much like Daylesford, we liked the countryside. When we finally discovered Léoube, nestled along one of the region’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, I knew it would require a great deal of love, time and imagination to breathe new life into it – but I also felt the incredible heritage and potential that the estate held. It was as if it chose us, our very own ‘sleeping beauty’.
as Peter Mayle wrote: ‘Provence unlocks the poetry within our souls and inspires us to see the world with new eyes.’
This book tells the story of Léoube – from restoring the house and curating the interiors, to planting the gardens and vineyards and eventually producing our own organic wine and olive oil. As someone who loves design, I also wanted to share some of my favourite details that have never been seen before: exquisite architecture and craftsmanship, soft furnishings, bespoke furniture and a considered collection of art and sculpture. It also offers a glimpse inside the Chapelle Saint-Georges – a serene refuge along the region’s pilgrim way that I find profoundly moving.
In writing this book, I wanted to celebrate the vision of our brilliant architect, Alain Raynaud, his many years of hard work, dedication and craftsmanship, and the guidance I received from inspirational figures such as Hubert de Givenchy along the way. More holistically, the book pays tribute to the spirit of Provence itself: a place that nourishes, inspires and lingers in your soul. As Peter Mayle wrote: ‘Provence unlocks the poetry within our souls and inspires us to see the world with new eyes.’ That is the magic of Château Léoube – for me, and for the many writers and artists who were captivated by its beauty before us.Â
I hope others can now find this inspiration within the pages of my book. Although to me, it is much more than that: it is a window into a place that has been the backdrop to countless celebrations and special memories for my family. Thanks to stunning photography by Martin Morrell, Château Léoube: Provence Living is a visual love letter to a place I truly believe to be one of the most beautiful on Earth. Order your copy here.
The post Introducing my new book, Chateau Léoube: Provence Living first appeared on Carole Bamford.
