The Los Angeles–based fashion and accessories designer Clare Vivier, alongside her husband Thierry, harbored a long-held aspiration for a French country escape. During their familial visits to Thierry’s ancestral home in Saint-Calais, nestled in the picturesque Loire Valley, Clare found herself captivated by a distinguished 19th-century manor. Set against a verdant backdrop bordering the Anille River, the seemingly dormant estate presented an irresistible opportunity. In 2020, upon learning of its availability, the Viviers swiftly acquired the property, fulfilling a dual dream.
The manor, initially showing signs of neglect with a compromised roof and outdated electrical systems, presented a substantial, yet exhilarating, renovation challenge. Undeterred, the couple embarked on the restoration themselves. This ambitious undertaking was a natural extension of their creative instincts: Clare, the founder of her eponymous brand Clare V. for nearly two decades, now commands a significant retail presence across America, while Thierry, a seasoned television journalist, possesses a keen aptitude for hands-on projects. To provide an external perspective, they enlisted their friend Kate Berry, a creative consultant and former magazine editor, who currently serves as the US editor of Cabana. This collaborative trio spearheaded the project, with Thierry acting as the principal contractor and Clare and Kate steering the design vision. Their objective was to harmonize Thierry’s appreciation for classic French provincial aesthetics with Clare’s vibrant, sun-drenched California modernism, as articulated in her 2023 book, *La Vie de Clare V.: Paris Chic/L.A. Cool*, aiming to cultivate an ambiance “a little more formal, a little more classic French, than our LA home,” as Clare describes.
With the structural integrity restored, the focus shifted to the interior design. The distinctive quality of French light became a crucial consideration for the palette. “The light in France is just so different from the light in the US—a different glow,” notes Berry. “So we chose more toned-down colors that are very Farrow & Ball, patinated and muted, then added bright pops of color with furniture.” This approach is evident in the striking clover-green corduroy sofa, meticulously handcrafted by Orior, and the vintage wooden dining table acquired from a local artisan. Inspired by the iconic designer Charlotte Perriand, the table was refinished in a high-gloss Farrow & Ball orange, aptly named Charlotte’s Locks. Berry explains, “I thought we needed to make it a little bit cooler, not so cottagey.” Traditional French elements, such as 19th-century-inspired armchairs and beds discovered at Provençal flea markets, were revitalized with vibrant upholstery from Pierre Frey and Clare’s own collection with Wallshoppe.
For elements not readily available in France, Berry orchestrated sourcing from the United States. The elegant, pale-pink linen bathroom curtain and the crisp white kitchen valances were procured from Madre in Portland, Oregon. The cheerful yellow-and-white-checked Roman shades are the product of Fabric Quilters on Long Island. Furthermore, Berry collaborated with her brother-in-law, Luke Bartels, a San Francisco-based woodworker, to create distinctive buttercup-yellow knobs for the kitchen cabinetry. These carefully selected items were then packed and transported to France, where Clare and Kate personally oversaw their installation. Even the landscaping became a joint endeavor, with the duo enthusiastically sourcing plants from local nurseries, undertaking the planting themselves, and adorning the Versailles planters. “The whole project was just such a fun thing to do with a friend,” Clare reflects.
The Viviers have since expanded their French estate, acquiring the adjacent properties. A small neighboring house will serve as auxiliary accommodation for visiting friends, while the larger, derelict structure next door is earmarked for transformation into a Clare V. corporate retreat, with future plans for a swimming pool. “So we now have the three in a row,” Clare remarks with amusement, adding that Thierry is once again overseeing the ambitious renovations. “He’s really got his hands full,” she concludes, emphasizing their shared joy in this ongoing endeavor.
Business Style Takeaway: This project exemplifies how a blend of personal style and strategic renovation can transform a historic property into a luxurious retreat that reflects a sophisticated lifestyle. The curated integration of classic French charm with modern California sensibilities creates a unique environment that enhances both personal enjoyment and brand identity.
According to the portal: www.architecturaldigest.com