New Yorkers Moved to the South of France and Have Been Renovating This Neglected Stone House for a Year

Name: Jenny George, husband, and their 12-year-old daughter
Location: Collioure, France
Type of home: Antique stone house
Size: 1000 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My husband and I are New Yorkers that moved to the South of France with our 12-year-old daughter. We bought a neglected stone house and have been renovating it the past year. We have exposed stone walls and antique brick walls. We have exposed wood ceiling beams. We live in the South of France year-round. Our daughter attends the local school and speaks fluent French!

I was a home furnishings designer for 25 years in NYC. My style is varied, but beachy decor is one of my favorites. Our place combines beachy, rustic, and Mediterranean decor.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or fewer: Antique stone house overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is our open living room/dining room/kitchen because it has so many interesting elements — exposed stone walls, exposed wood beams, antique brick walls, reclaimed wood furniture, and views of the Mediterranean Sea.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I bought some cactus plants in pots to put on my reclaimed wood book shelves.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Natural materials on floors, walls, and furniture; layer in textiles and decorative pillows; combine two colors per room; and arrange artwork on walls in groups of three.

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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