Provencal Escapes: Inspirational Homes in Provence and the Cote D'Azur [Hardcover]

Caroline Clifton-Mogg (Author), Christopher Drake (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2005

Showcasing 22 beautiful homes in Provence and the Cote d'Azur, "Provencal Escapes" is an abundant source of inspiration and practical decorative ideas, making it a feast of delight for all those who are seduced by the thought - and the reality - of the Provencal way of life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Provence provides a constant stream of satisfaction for the senses. A magical soft, yet clear light illuminates the scenery, while the balmy air is scented with wild rosemary, sage, pine, and lavender. Provencal Escapes celebrates beautiful homes from across the region. Decorative styles differ, varying from the cozy romanticism of restored stone farm buildings to the clean simplicity of pared-down modern style, and from the traditional elegance of a small chateau to the ecleticism of a tiny vacation retreat overlooking the Cote d'Azur. But every scheme is coloured by a rural lifestyle and the natural elements, and above all, by the region's strong character. -Showcases 22 beautiful homes in Provence and the Cote d"Azur, with evocative text by Caroline Clifton-Mogg. -Combining inspiration with a wealth of practical ideas, "Provencal Escapes" is an irresistible book for all those seduced by the thought--and reality-- of the Provencal way of life.

About the Author

Caroline Clifton-Mogg is an acclaimed journalist and author, writing about interior design, gardens, and other subjects. She contributes to several magazines, including "'House and Garden"' and "'Telegraph magazine"'. Her books include "'Italian Country Living"' and "'French Country Living"'(both Ryland Peters and Small).

Christopher Drake was born in South America, brought up in Norway, and now lives in London. He started his career as an in-house photographer's assistant at Vogue, then moved into interiors photography. His work is now featured in an international range of magazines, including Architectural Digest (Germany), Victoria Magazine, Homes and Gardens, World of Interiors, and Country Living. For Ryland Peters and Small he has photographed Hallways, Corridors, and Staircases and Enrica Stabile's Open Air Living and Comfortable Country.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Ryland Peters & Small; First Edition edition (August 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841729345
• ISBN-13: 978-1841729343
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,022,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but wanted more, July 15, 2007

By 

puppy's gal - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Provencal Escapes: Inspirational Homes in Provence and the Cote D'Azur (Hardcover)

A nice inspiration source for charming, rustic country french design. I wanted more out of the book though - perhaps photos of full rooms rather than vignettes of tables and kitchen counters. It makes it hard to get a sense of design style without a full room effect in my opinion. The book does ooze charm and if you have other books on this style and just want a little extra something this would be ok. If however you really need a good book to learn all about french country style I would not suggest this one.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificant Redecoration of Older French Homes, October 11, 2005

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Provencal Escapes: Inspirational Homes in Provence and the Cote D'Azur (Hardcover)

This magnificant book consists of photographic studies of some 22 homes in the Provence and Cote d'Azur regions of France. These homes are primarily older (as much as 300 years) that have been seriously redecorated to make them into jewels of plesant styling.

For the most part, the redecoration of the homes has been to retain (or return to) the styling of the time they were built. Magnificant old beams show off well with modern appliances and decorations. The traditional outside of the houses hides the modern interiors. The original builders could not have imagined things we take for granted such as electricity that now has been fitted into their houses.

Redoing an old house is easily as expensive as modern construction, so these houses have not been done for cost savings but for other reasons like living in a part of history.

While this book concentrates on this region of France, many of the techniques used in these houses could well be applied to houses in the United States where old houses be they farm or city center can be made into something unique and wonderful.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STUNNING!, February 25, 2007

By 

Marie Antoinette - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Provencal Escapes: Inspirational Homes in Provence and the Cote D'Azur (Hardcover)

This book oozes with charm! The homes featured in this book are very old and beautifully brought back to life by its owners while respecting the history and integrity of these buildings. The title "Provencal Escapes" is appropriate since this book lets you escape into a dreamy and ancient world of Provence. The photos are gorgeous and you feel that you are actually walking through some of these homes. This book is a must for any fan of Provence or just of beautiful escapes. I highly recommend it!