There is something about the holiday season that fills me up. And every year I look forward to it … to the merriment and good will; to the holiday treats and yuletide libations; to the mantels and banisters dressed with boughs of greenery; to the twinkling lights; to the spirit of Christmas and all it promises. Yet once the holidays come to an end I am considerably sated, to say the least. Full, you could say. And so, every year, I look forward to the opposite of feeling full, to a cleansing of mind, body and spirit. I look forward to getting back to the basics.
The compound featured in today’s post characterizes my new year’s state of mind, featuring a collection of barns and outbuildings renovated and designed by the brilliant architect Vincent Van Duysen in his inimitable elemental style. Located in the farming town of Zwevegem, Belgium, near the French border, Van Duysen was presented with the challenge of reconciling the past with the present. Local building codes require that specific historic worthy architectural elements stay intact, maintaining the essential architectural character of Flemish country houses. This meant the terra-cotta roof tiles had to stay. But virtually everything else was re-imagined, from the ground up. To honor the local architectural vernacular Van Duysen put up exterior brick walls covered with light colored traditional clay-and-plaster, called kalei (lime wash).
To provide the interiors with a feeling of openness and light Van Duysen installed large floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, and kept materials to a minimum. Free of extraneous decor his rooms breathe. A monochromatic scheme of plaster white, stone gray, bleached straw and smoky charcoal allows the views of the countryside beyond the picture windows to take center stage, and soothe the mind, body and soul. The main house comprises one of three barns; the second houses the stable and garage, and the third an indoor swimming pool. If the holidays left you feeling over-indulged, step into these sybaritic spaces designed with simplicity, comfort and peacefulness in mind.
Photography by Juan Rodrigues and Didier Delmas
Dear Christopher,
A belated Happy New Year to you! Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday season. I saw that you were in Carmel. As a child, I spent many happy times there visiting my grandparents who retired there when I was little. Whenever I visit I am flooded with wonderful memories.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. Its snowing here in DC today so somehow the house completely connects with my state of mind. Large expanses of glass to watch the snowfall and a quiet, zen like space to contemplate the past and present. I am always torn between my love of “things” and my love of simplicity and minimalism. One side of me could move right into the house you featured and the other side loves to be surrounded with various bibolots and objects of vertu! Oh the conflict!
Thanks again for the inspiring photos!
Best,
Michael
Dear Michael,
Happiest of New Year’s to you as well! I was raised in northern California and have been returning to Carmel ever since I was a child. We may have bumped into one another over the years … Who knows?! My husband and I plan to retire there … one day, god willing! It’s a special place for us, and for our family. We love spending the holiday there – the village is so charming and full of activity during the holiday season.
I empathize with your quandary over minimalist vs. traditional. The solution, you know, is to have at least two houses to sate our ever-changing moods! Like the the changing season I, too, enjoy variety. You have reconciled this conflict, as you said, with great aplomb and style in your own homes!
I enjoyed your comments – thank you so much!
Warmest,
Cristopher