Introduction
Have you ever dreamt of transforming an ancient farm into a modern masterpiece? Rysia Suchecka, an esteemed member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame and consulting partner at NBBJ, did just that. In this article, Rysia takes us on a remarkable journey through her reinvention of a centuries-old farm in Larroque-Saint-Sernan, France. Brace yourself for a tale of art, music, and the pursuit of passion.
Unearthing Hidden Beauty in Gers
Rysia's adventure began when she stumbled upon the unspoiled province of Gers in the South of France. Captivated by the authentic working farms with their magnificent stone structures dating back to the 15th century, she and her husband, John Warburton, decided to explore the area. The search led them to a property in desperate need of love and care, but with promise. Nestled amidst five acres of picturesque fields, the farm boasted a main house, a farmhouse, three barns, and a coveted pigeon tower.
A former barn, one of three on the property, was converted into a salon used for entertaining and for hosting concerts. A Krzysztof Krzywoblodzki artwork sits on the fireplace mantle. Photography by Eric Laignel.
Restoring the Past, Redefining the Future
With a vision in mind, Rysia and John embarked on a restoration journey unlike any other. They meticulously restored the main house and beautifully landscaped the surroundings with 200 bushes and 380 trees. But their ambitions didn't stop there. They wanted to give back to the community and support local artisans. Every interior element was custom-designed by Rysia and crafted within a ten-mile radius of the property. From stonemasons to woodworkers, each subcontractor was handpicked from the neighboring villages.
A hay loft was removed to gain ceiling height for the salon, crisscrossed in centuries-old hand-carved oak beams that were painstakingly restored. Photography by Eric Laignel.
A Symphony of Art and Music
As the restoration progressed, Rysia's creative spirit thrived. She indulged in her newfound passion for music, learning to play the piano from scratch. Her dedication led her to acquire a cherished Pleyel piano, similar to the one Chopin used. Inspired by her musical journey, Rysia transformed the old farmhouse into a guest quarters and a venue for chamber music concerts. The stone walls and spacious interiors created a harmonious atmosphere with incredible acoustics.
The custom dark-stained oak dining table in the grand salon spans 16 feet. Photography by Eric Laignel.
Embracing Artistic Freedom
But Rysia's artistic journey didn't end with music. In Italy, she discovered her love for drawing, which liberated her architectural renderings. She invited her drawing teacher to join her in France, where they transformed the cow barn into an art center. People from around the world flocked to the farm to participate in drawing, painting, and sketching classes. This creative haven culminated in a grand exhibition that showcased the students' talent to the local residents.
A Gift to the Community
Reinventing a French farmhouse offered Rysia the opportunity to give back to her beloved community. Supporting local businesses and artisans became the core philosophy of the project. Rysia's dedication to authenticity and sustainability ensured that the farm's restoration echoed the spirit of the countryside. In the end, the reinvented farmhouse stood as a testament to the power of passion and the beauty of collaboration.
The exterior of the farmhouse, which was connected to the adjacent cow barn during the renovation. Photography by Eric Laignel.
Conclusion
Rysia Suchecka's remarkable journey of reinventing a French farmhouse captivates our imagination. By combining her passions for music, art, and architecture, she transformed a dilapidated property into a vibrant cultural compound. Through her dedication to the local community and respect for tradition, Rysia created a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Note: All images are courtesy of Eric Laignel. The captions for the images have been provided in the original article.
