When Susan Fraser and Jean-Pierre Grousset moved into their maison de maitre in Lherm, located in France's Lot valley region, their challenge was to find a way to open the building's dark interior without losing its 19th century style. As you can see, they've succeeded beautifully. I love their lightness of touch in restoring their home, such as the airy attic bedroom — and the quirkier original details, like the unusual stairwell that leads to the basement kitchen that was literally once a pigsty. Furnished with street finds and family heirlooms, it's a home that's comfortable with both the past and present. More here on Homelife.
(photography by richard powers for the sept/oct 2011 issue of inside out)