Field Notes

In the spirit of Villa Santo Sospir now being available to rent, I thought I would share some of Madeleine Castaing's wonderful spaces in today's Field notes, definitely one for the maximalists.

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If you aren’t already familiar with Jean Cocteau and Madeleine Castaing’s work on the Villa Santo Sospir, you can read about it here on the FT. If you don’t have a subscription ( the bathrooms are worth it alone) here are a few pics to wet your whistle. The images were taken by one of my favourite photographers @stefangiftthaler and below are a few featured on The FT’s instagram and the instagram of Jo Ellison, editor of @fthtsi magazine.

If you’d like a little Cocteau magic in your own home, here are some finds that might fit the bill,

1. Jean Cocteau Signed Lithograph, £167.12 ,

2. 1966 Original Cocteau Edinburgh Festival Poster US $575.00

3. Figures La Plage Abstract Color Lithography Signed 1956 ,

4. Poteries, 1958 Jean Cocteau Rare Poster, £900

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   Now to Madelaine’s world …

‘Making a house is creating. I make houses like others write poetry, make music or paint. A house is more of a likeness than a portrait. Don’t be intimidated by audacity, be audacious, but with taste. You also need intuition, originality, vigor. Avoid reproduction, that easy and banal method. Don’t get taken in by fashion. A secret : Love your house, love makes miracles.’ Madelaine Castaing

Vallee-aux Loups, the country house of Francois Rene de Chateaubriand, yes please to the flora and fauna patterned stair runners.