The Outdoor Landscaping and Gardens of Villa La Carmejane

La Carmejane viewed from the village street This beautiful hillside estate in the south of France has been featured in Veranda and Architectural Digest magazines. The property has been included in several of Louisa Jones' books about the gardens of Provence. This new article covers important historical information unearthed by the current owners, who have done extensive research about the early history of the castle complex. Fascinating!

One of the many of Louisa Jones' books that talks about the gardens of Provence featuring Villa La Carmejane. Visiting the hilltop property of La Carmejane, one feels as one has gone though a time portal to a dimention where all worries do not exist. Modern-day France holds tremendous beauty inside its borders: within this beautiful country, the mediterranean-climate region of Provence is a stunning area, known worldwide for its charm; within Provence, the area of the Luberon Mountains, with its many scenic villages, is ravishing; and within the Luberon sits the medieval hilltop village of Ménerbes, designated one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” Beauty within beauty within beauty. After exploring Ménerbes, with its spectacular views over the surrounding valleys, one might well think that beauty has revealed itself fully, but there is one more heart-stopping “doll” to be unveiled: the castle complex of La Carmejane.

Upper level parterre garden, view from the Maison des Amis Development of the garden La Carmejane was bought using a real estate transaction known as viager. Popular in France, the arrangement allows home owners to sell their property for an initial “down payment” followed by monthly payments for the life of the home owner, who remains in the home until death. Upon the death of the home owner, the buyer takes possession. The arrangement is starkly realistic: viager property listings in France typically include the age of the owner along with the price which may in some instances put a mark of the head of the owner, turning many of them into skeptic recluse cat people.

Private terrace, perfect for viewing sunsets with an apéro Before they took possession of their new home, the owners had to deal with many stumbling blocks between them and the resident owners still living in the house. One incident, in particular, was of disastrous proportions. After a long dry spell, on May 12 1993 torrential rain soaked the earth of the central garden on the property’s upper level. The water dislodged a boulder below weighing over 1,000 tons. As the boulder fell away, the ramparts it was supporting collapsed. A third of the upper garden washed down the hillside! It took five years and a major engineering feat to repair the damage while retaining the traditional appearance of the wall.

Cafe table on the upper terrace above the parterre garden, perfect for breakfast and a newspaper If there was a silver lining to the destruction, it was the opportunity to begin with a blank slate for the new upper- level garden. The couple first retained the services of Nicole de Vésian, a stylish woman who had worked in the Parisian design industry for most of her adult life. After moving to Provence in 1986, she began a second career as a garden designer – a tribute to her prodigious creativity and life energy. After designing her own garden masterpiece, La Louve, she was asked to design several other gardens in the region. Sadly, Nicole took ill before completing her work at La Carmejane. She passed away in 1996, a year before the new owners finally took possession. Though she did not get to work her magic on La Carmejane, her advice was invaluable: “Listen to the stones, and they will speak.”

Terrace seating with boxed topiaries The new owners brought in a series of creative minds to help with the garden plan. English designers John Brookes and Tim Rees helped with initial ideas about what the garden might become, but it was the magical talent of a local Frenchman, interior designer Michel Biehn, that carried the day. Extraordinarily gifted, Michel was already helping the owners with the interior of the home and, at their request, stepped into the role of garden designer, bringing his talents to the challenging hillside. Working alongside the owners, nurseryman Jean-Claude Appy, plant sculptor and de Vésian protégé Marc Nucera, and mason Max Ellena, Michel transformed La Carmejane into a series of beautiful garden spaces. The various garden “rooms” tucked into the hillside are simple in their impact, never fussy. The ancient history of the site is respected, yet the garden design feels fresh.

A walk through the garden today One enters from the village street through a lovely old wooden gate with rusted iron hardware: the unveiling begins as an inner courtyard, paved in brick and stone, greets the visitor. Tall columns of Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and antique Anduze pots holding topiary balls of boxwood (Buxus) serve as focal points. A small walkway edged in boxwood leads to a balcony over the village street, with seating ideal for sunset views. The main path leads to the front door or, continuing further, towards the cliff-side parterre garden with its marvellous views over the Calavon Plain.

Swimming pool on the lower hillside The parterre garden is perfection: its lines and scale define the space in such a way that it would be difficult to imagine a better layout. The white Iceberg roses and, in autumn, the white blooms of Japanese anemone (Anemone × hybrida) coolly and calmly soften the boxwood beds, adding floral interest without distracting from the main show: the incredible view across the Calavon Plain all the way to Mount Ventoux.

Calavon Plain all the way to Mount Ventoux It was initially quite difficult to reach the lower levels of the hillside complex. There were no connecting stairs; to reach the pool, it was necessary to exit the property on to the village street, circle below the church, exit the old medieval fortified section of the village, and re-enter the property through a small wooden doorway. By “listening to the stones,” a passageway to the lower level was eventually discovered by Cédric Lafaye, the gardener. Rappelling down the rampart wall to prune the ivy, he discovered an old archway in the stonework. The owners realised that the stones had indeed spoken and had revealed the ideal place to build a stairway. The arch was reopened and a stone tower with spiral stairs was built to connect the two levels of the garden, eliminating the inconvenient walk. The tower was carefully constructed to look as though it had always been part of the castle complex.

The lower levels are less formal than the upper garden, but they have a loose rhythm to their layout. One walks easily through hillside rooms, connected by pathways and stone steps. The pool area, with its ancient grotto used as a secret gathering place for spiritual cults (circa 6th or 7th century), is laid out somewhat formally; beyond, one is free to meander and discover the hillside levels as they unfold. The large boulder, split in two by its fall from the ramparts, lies just beyond the swimming pool in sculptural repose. A small circular water feature nestles above the massive stones and empties into a runnel between them.

The lower garden is a fantasy land for adults and children alike. Newly planted olive trees grace the hillside, as does a two-hundred-year-old cherry orchard. There are numerous spots to have a picnic lunch, sit and read a book, or lie in a hammock suspended from a cherry tree. A large cobblestone oval of wild thyme kept low, with a fossilised ammonite at its centre, provides a meditative spot. A small gazebo with red and white striped curtains provides a place for intimate conversation or, when numerous family members are present, a focal spot for gatherings. There is a potager used by the owner and her staff for vegetables and cut- flowers. There is even an area for playing pétanque, a French lawn game that has evolved from ancient Roman traditions.

From its setting in the relaxed sophistication of the village, to the warm formality of the upper level garden and castle, to the meandering paths and rooms of the lower hillside, La Carmejane has become a well-loved and beautifully restored home. In a mutual stroke of luck, the village gained a wonderful expatriate family, committed to learning the mysteries of the castle and bringing it back to life, while the owners were presented with an opportunity to create a deeply soulful residence in which to live out their “third act” happily. For more information contact us at www.MonolithicStone.com or www.PhoenicianStone.com or by calling us at 949-759-6944

From the Game of Thrones to Majorca, A Powder Room journey from the fictional to the unexplored.

Similar to the many sinks featured in the epic HBO series Game of Thrones, this Norman invasion Era sink from the South of Europe is one of the few surviving limestone sink elements of that time period. It holds true testimonial to the utilitarian and functional design style during the 11th century. Historically speaking, The Normans (similar to their fictional counterparts) conquered the best part of Europe and have reached the most Southern tip of Europe close to 1,000 years ago. The Starks are not far behind in the conquest of their realm. It’s no surprising that their wardrobe, architecture and every day tools and wears reminds us of the Tudors and the Normans to a great extent. In Her Majesty Secret Service.

What would have a George the 5th style sink looked like during the post war era! This sink above can actually be in one of James Bonds own personal safe houses in London or beyond as envisioned by Ian Fleming. Can someone say Skyfall? The Saladinian.

John Saladino created and realized this masterpiece above in his own private villa in Santa Barbara that he meticulously worked on for more than 10 years. This romantic ruined Tuscan countryside style powder room is a superb mix from the American school of the golden age during the 1920’s and the Southern Italian Renaissance. This 17th century Italian marble sink carries the architects fascination with history and his personal connection to the Italian Middle Renaissance. La Bastide De Marie.

As the Name suggests this shallow Medieval French limestone trough reminds us of the very famous Provencal bed and breakfast called ‘La Bastide De Marie’. This Best kept secret of Provence has taken the world by storm and has attracted many of this world’s famed and fortuned who openly professed to have spent the best time of their lives in this French Bohemian wonder. The Hampton Provençal Fix.

True to New York own cultural pedigree, architectural antiques infusions has been an integral part of the big apple’s interior design scene since at least the early 1800’s. This Oolitic (with a double ‘o’ that’s no typo!) French limestone trough sink added the needed balance to this elegant checker boarded new Hampton powder room. The Merchant of Venice.

Full of history and intrigue, old world charm and sophistication this powder room offers a monolithic limestone block as its sink, coupled with the ‘Millennium Limestone’ planks on the floor and a golden leaf artichoke shaped pendant light down its ceiling. This simple hand etched modern looking sink seems to fit well in place with its creative surroundings. If These Stones could talk…

Really! what would they say? What journey have they traversed for them to land into this traditional French Cottage home? The drama is completed with the 2” thick foundation vanity slabs, a 22″x16″ antique limestone trough sink together with their reclaimed Biblical Stone backsplash are all supported by a row of salvaged 19th century rough iron balcony balustrades from the South of France. One Night in Casablanca.

Who haven’t watched Dr.Zhivago? Who wasn’t moved by the surrealism of Casablanca? A fusion of a dying ottoman empire and a Southern Spanish Andalusian style with touches of late 19th Century British Victorian, is enough to make anyone wanting to pack their bags to the shores of this North Africa nation. The San Simeon.

Keeping true to Randolph Hearst vision of an authentically reclaimed Mediterranean villa, this brilliantly designed 15th century Spanish style planter sink was custom tailored in height and width to fit into this dreamy powder room in Lake Norman, North Carolina. Mizners Pride.

The old Spanish Colonial revival style architect, Addison Mizner would have easily designed and constructed an entire south Floridian mansion based on this original 13th century Spanish wash basin and pedestal sink. This brilliant powder room above seemed to have been inspired by this pioneer architect himself. What we would do just to see the look on his face after seeing one of our design element dedicate to his genius… Ibiza at Home.

Fun under the sun, a perpetual party and an unquenchable thirst for being alive is what most of us associate with the Iberian island of Ibiza. Few however, attributes this splendid retreat with her rich and diverse architectural tradition. This beautiful photo features an antique hand carved marble shell shaped sink that seems to be pulled out of the depth of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. The turquoise, emerald and cobalt colored tiles shown in its back splash have been reclaimed and restored for this specific powder room. The ‘Great Gatsby’.

A sink design that embodies the artist Erté and his Art Deco, the Roaring 20’s, the Charleston Era and the never ending party as portrayed in Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’. This marble sink carries in its simple masculine form this early 1900‘s Theodor Roosevelt ‘can do’ spirit. Its antique etched stone ‘Kronos Stone’ backs plash creates an amazing contrast of smooth and rough, beige and grey tonality mirroring the duality of opulence and hardship as experienced in America during the 1900’s to the 1930’s The Mortar, the Pestle, and the Powder Room.

You can’t mention stone reclamation and re-purposing in one sentence without resorting to the mental flashback of the ancestral mortar and pestle cookware that have been since the 1700’s reused as vegetables prep sinks and powder room sinks across European and Colonial American kitchens of all styles. The photo above portrays such a monumental stone mortar sink installed in a contemporary powder room setting. A Heart in Majorca.

What is Majorca? The best way to describe Majorca is that first and foremost it’s a state of mind which also happens to be a real geographical destination, a cultural melting pot and a fusion in styles and design spanning across the millennia. Situated between North Africa and the South of Europe, Majorca is a symbol of cultural understanding and civilizational co-existence if there was ever one. Majorcan culture merges European architectural tradition with Gothic, Grecian and Moroccan influences. This rich tapestry of finely weaved architecture was the creative mind behind the crafting of such wonderful sinks. This Majorcan sink above would be perfectly suited in any Asian, Tropical, Mediterranean or Coastal powder room design. The Napoleonic Exile.

Ever wondered what Napoleon villa in the island of Elba would have looked like? The self-proclaimed emperor never met the fate of the countless other dethroned emperors that have littered the dunes across the sands of time… Such simply carved marble sink have mushroomed across Europe in the early 19th Century and have become a staple of French ‘Empire style’ sinks. All on Board, the Orient Express.

Those decorative sinks are witnesses of a Bygone era. The golden age of the British Empire have reached its apex during the advent of the locomotive. Those railed beasts were accredited to making planet earth a smaller planet for the first time ever in its history. Overnight, the hidden treasures of Asia and the forgotten carved elements of Anatolia could be found in a week’s notice in the curiosity markets of south Kensington and New Bonds streets in London until their migration into the halls and research labs of the British Museum. Sinks like the one shown in this photo can be seen as true timepieces. Even though they don’t tell time in the traditional sense, they’ve encapsulated the spirit of tradesmanship and mercantilism of the 18th and 19th century in the post ‘East Indian Trading Company’ era. Luckily to our clientele, timepieces such as this sink can still be found at Ancient Surfaces who has diligently restored and refurbished dozens of them back to their formal glory over the years. Modern Monolithic

For the early man, stone was everything. From building blocks that could shelter him, to primitive shrines that looked like early stepped pyramids, stone was man’s first raw material that was fully adaptive and willing to take the shape and function needed by its creator. Raw and unfinished, bold and none apologetic are some of the adjectives that come to mind when you gaze at our Neolithic looking dimensional block sinks installed in ultra-modern technologically superior powder baths. This meeting of two separate worlds that cannot be more diametrically opposed, seems to be so natural and complimentive. For more information please call us at: (949)759-6944 or visit us onlive at: www.MonolithicStone.com

The Mykonos Antique reclaimed Limestone. A real life mythological stone pulled from the different era.

Our goal is to put together under one roof the world most important selection of Old European and Mediterranean Architectural Stone Antiques. Our collection includes unique Fireplaces, Fountains, Entryways, Stone Floors, Sinks, Benches & various other terracotta jar and stoneware vessels and elements. Antique Limestone Flooring the ‘Mykonos Stone’

The Mykonos Stone is rock hard and resilient in nature, ideal for both indoors & outdoors applications. This stone offers unprecedented levels of calmness and serenity. Its silky surface is a perfect catalyst to a relaxing soothing evening after a hectic day at work or after a frustrating drive back home. This stone is old and reclaimed. It’s salvaged from old homes and structures from across ancient cities in the Mediterranean Sea. http://monolithicstone.com/kronos-stone/

We’ve designed some of the most memorable mini wine cave cellars ever conceived all out of ancient reclaimed Limestone ancient sink troughs and milled drift wood. Tell us what you think and visit our website: http://monolithicstone.com/kronos-stone/

It’s no surprise that we’ve paved and draped countless personal spas, baths, showers, wine cellars and entire homes out of the Mykonos Stone when the application calls for a timeless French Riviera, a Bali or an Amalfi coast look that flows in your home seamlessly connecting all the various architectural compartments of your home into one continuous singularity of timeless perfection. http://monolithicstone.com/kronos-stone/

The Mykonos Stone stands the test of time ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Visit the entire gallery of the Mykonos Stone on our website. http://monolithicstone.com/kronos-stone/

The Mykonos Stone is very versatile and is suitable for any application from outdoor courtyard paving to shower floors and walls. Learn more below: http://monolithicstone.com/kronos-stone/

It feels like a floating river of smooth silk beneath your feet. using this Mykonos reclaimed antique limestone in your home is a true indulgence. Take a closer look at it here: http://monolithicstone.com/kronos-stone/

The select premium blend of the Mykonos Stone is a much longer and wider planks selection mixed in with a smaller percentage of the regular size product. they are ideal for playing an essential trick on the eyes that maks spaces look and feel wider and bigger as seen in the image above. http://monolithicstone.com/kronos-stone/

I've realised that very few people still blog in this day and age since everyone has migrated to social media platforms... this is why I've decided to add more photos of ours over here some never seen before ones even just to give you a token of appreciation for your browsing and your visit.

take a look at this amazing photo

the Mykonos Stone is truly a mood changer as much it is a game changer for anyone seeking a coastal Mediterranean Island feel or vibe.

And here is a famouse home that has gone viral worldwide since it hit the front covers of almost every shelter magazine ever printed... Richard Shapiro's Home in Malibu. We love you Richard- You Rock!

Our Old Showroom space in Corona Del Mar in California.

For more information contact us at www.MonolithicStone.com or www.PhoenicianStone.com or by calling us at 949-759-6944

A Timeless French Farmhouse: Inspiring Interior Design for Generations

In the heart of the French countryside, there stands a remodeled farmhouse that has captivated the world of interior design. Featured in a prestigious French interior design magazine back in 2010, this farmhouse remains an influential and inspirational project that continues to charm with its timeless beauty. Join us on a journey through this exceptional space, where classic elegance blends harmoniously with rustic charm, creating an atmosphere that has sparked the imagination of designers and enthusiasts alike.

The Fusion of Classic and Rustic The farmhouse's living room is a sight to behold, where fawn-toned linen sofas seamlessly merge with antique limestone fireplaces. The simplicity of the fabrics adds weight and value to the room, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. The furniture is an eclectic blend of Italian and Provençal pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, featuring baroque-styled doorways, bookcases, and unique plaster arched ceilings supported by sturdy beams.

Living Room Garden Elements Indoors Bringing the outdoors inside, the farmhouse embraces the casual elegance of the garden. Antique reclaimed 'Biot' terracotta jars, once used to store olive oil in the 15th century, now grace the space with their historical charm. Glass cloches atop twin tables, along with a Venetian gondolier lantern, infuse the room with delicate beauty and rustic allure.

Charming Salvaged Treasures The shutters of this home are exquisite and were rescued from a salvaged yard, finding a loving home within this farmhouse. Carefully selected "Objet Trouvais" or found objects enrich the room, adding character and personal touches that tell stories of a bygone era.

A Symphony of Tones Neutral tone-on-tone colors enhance the minimalist Louis XV stone fireplace, while gilded surrounds add an elegant touch. An eclectic mix of elements, including a 19th-century Egyptian revival bust, antique Italian Rococo fauteuils, and vintage lime-washed Venetian plaster, completes the enchanting scenery.

Fireplace An Allure of the Past The perfect amalgamation of gilded and patina-laden baroque elements with vintage metal tubs creates a captivating display. A procession lantern stand, an 18th-century painted secretary, and other carefully curated pieces capture the essence of French Provence, serving as an inspirational color palette for anyone looking to remodel their own home.

A Dining Experience The dining room exudes a timeless ambiance with an array of Italian chairs surrounding a simple wooden table. Underneath an Italian gilt wood and metal chandelier, the room beckons for shared meals and cherished moments.

Enchanting Bedrooms In the daughter's bedroom, a 19th-century bed adorned with provincial jute linen and a driftwood headboard becomes a haven of comfort. Swathes of cheesecloth drape from the beamed ceiling, adding an ethereal touch. The bedroom floor features authentic hexagonal antique and reclaimed limestone, further enhancing the room's allure.

Bedroom Masterful Serenity The master bedroom is dominated by a Napoleonic Period antique French bed that exudes grandeur and elegance. Carved Italian chairs and a nightstand accentuate the Provencal ambience, creating a space where tranquility and sophistication blend effortlessly.

A Kitchen of Legends The kitchen boasts a vaulted ceiling that transports visitors to Romanesque and Medieval times. A baroque gilded chandelier hangs over a 19th-century kitchen nook Swedish table, complemented by period 18th-century French chairs. The limestone wall, adorned with 'Moustiers' and 'Sarreguemine' porcelain and faience plates, showcases the beauty of reclaimed architectural fragments that serve both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes.

Timeless Exterior Beauty As the sun sets over the picturesque French countryside, the exterior view of this late 17th to 18th-century farmhouse leaves a lasting impression. Featured in numerous publications and magazines since its renovation in 2003, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic French design.

Conclusion The remodeled French farmhouse has left an indelible mark on the world of interior design, inspiring a new generation of designers to embrace the timeless beauty of classic and rustic elements. This captivating space proves that blending history, culture, and art can create an atmosphere that transcends time and continues to resonate with enthusiasts worldwide. As the farmhouse remains a source of inspiration for many, it reminds us of the enduring power of elegant design and the magic it brings to our homes.

For more information contact us at www.MonolithicStone.com or www.PhoenicianStone.com or by calling us at 949-759-6944