Maison la 
Marcotte

La Marcotte was love at first sight. From the very first visit, I felt that this house had all the warmth and soul of a true family home. Nestled in the heart of a village, it isn’t isolated — you can feel life and conviviality there. With its pool and pool house, it’s a home meant to be lived in, shared, and enjoyed.

The spirit of the place was already incredible. La Marcotte once belonged to an exceptionally elegant couple who hosted the crème de la crème of Parisian society. She was French; he was Russian — a glamorous, almost romantic duo. There was a unique atmosphere, a rare energy. My role was to preserve that soul while bringing in a touch of modernity — to update without betraying it.

I changed the bedding, rethought the living room layout, and replaced a few pieces of furniture — always with the approval of Madame Lorraine de Ganay, the owner. Nothing was done without her consent, as it was important not to alter too much. The goal was to 'freshen up' the house, yes, but without losing that charmingly aged look, that patina of time that gives it its soul.

La Marcotte has a delightfully old-fashioned, almost British feel. In fact, Madame de Ganay spent much of her life in London, and you can sense that English touch in every room — with bold combinations of fabrics and colors that you wouldn’t dare use elsewhere, yet work perfectly here.

Americans adore this house. Every time one discovers it, they stop, fascinated. They often say they can’t recreate that feeling — and for good reason. It’s not something you can invent. It’s a layered history, a collection of objects, memories, and gifts accumulated over the years. It’s a living home, deeply personal.

I was also fortunate to get along wonderfully with the caretaker. She immediately understood that I respected the place. Everything happened naturally, in perfect harmony. In the end, La Marcotte regained its brilliance — without losing an ounce of its soul.