When it comes to honoring the memory of a loved one, few gestures are as heartfelt and meaningful as restoring their home. This is precisely the journey that landscape gardener Jinny Blom embarked on, fulfilling a promise to her mother, Françoise, by transforming her house in the South of France into a vibrant and playful sanctuary.
A Promise Kept
Jinny's commitment to her mother's legacy is a testament to the power of family bonds. Françoise's request, made before her passing in 2013, was a weighty one—to care for her home in the medieval village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. This village, nestled amidst a rugged limestone plateau, held a special resonance for Françoise, and thus, for Jinny as well.
A Whimsical Choice
Françoise's decision to move to this desolate yet charming village in the early 1990s was an intriguing one. Her gregarious nature seemed at odds with the village's parochial atmosphere at the time. However, as Jinny notes, "There is a lot of nice stuff happening" now, with creative types like Parisian interior designers and former fashion designers calling it home.
A Unique Upbringing
Françoise's own life story is a fascinating one. Born in Madagascar to a French father who traded spices and timber, she was sent to England during the Blitz, speaking only Malagasy patois. Her Englishness, with her Queen-like speech and couture fashion, stood out in Royal Leamington Spa, where Jinny grew up.
A Legacy of Love and Gardening
Françoise's influence on Jinny's life and career is profound. She instilled in Jinny a love for France, where the family spent holidays, and a deep appreciation for gardening. It was at Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds that Françoise took Jinny to experience the Arts and Crafts-inspired gardens, shaping Jinny's future as one of Britain's most in-demand landscape designers.
Restoring with Joy
The restoration of Françoise's house was a labor of love for Jinny and her husband, Marc Fox. The process was extensive, from repairing the roof to addressing water damage and collapsing stairs. The couple drew inspiration from the exuberant interiors of Paris' Hôtel des Marronniers, adorning the walls with vibrant Manuel Canovas papers and fabrics.
A Tribute to Françoise
One corner of the sitting room is a special homage to Françoise. It houses a Georgian cabinet that belonged to her, a Russian samovar that was a fixture in the family home, and a small sculpture of Venus de Milo, purchased by Jinny's father in the 1960s. This space is a tangible reminder of Françoise's unique spirit and her impact on her family.
A Passion Project
What began as a promise evolved into a passion project for Jinny and Marc. The renovation process brought them immense joy, and they couldn't help but imagine Françoise's delight at the results. As Jinny puts it, "She would have adored it."
This story is a beautiful example of how a home can be a living, breathing tribute to a loved one, infused with color, pattern, and, most importantly, joy.
