The Rural NSW Home of Elise Pioch Balzac and Pablo Chappell. Elise and Pablo’s outdoor setting and vintage car next to their home, a converted church. ‘The bell and black board both announced mass and celebrations, we love to use them often too’ says Elise. ‘The old MK1 Jaguar was purchased for Loulou when she was born, and suits the place so well,’ says Elise. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room details. ‘The raised section is where the priest used to give mass, the charcoal velvet curtains were imported from Belgium,’ says Elise. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Original signs from the church alongside Chappelli bike which was custom built by Pablo especially to go fishing (spot the fishing rod holders!). Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Elise Pioch Balzac at home. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Light filled kitchen. All surfaces and walls in the kitchen have been tiled, inspired by French and Spanish homes. The gloss black glass cabinet is from 1940 and displays Elise’s collection of French plates, glasses, tea cups and wine decanters. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen details. The antique leather chair was purchased in Bowral. The kitchen was custom made and built by Elise and Pablo, then tiled with Spanish beveled ceramic tiles. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The dining table, with historic pew. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The master bedroom is a sweet open mezzanine above the main living area, designed and built by Elise and Pablo. Sconces purchased in an antique store in the south of France, and the bed head hides a walk-in wardrobe. The bright yellow linen pillow covers come from Merci in Paris, and the cross blanket is by Pia Wallen.  Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The view from the stairs with original 1880’s floorboards made of Sydney blue gum. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room details. ‘The living room is the best place to appreciate the volume, light and acoustics of the church,’ says Elise. Framed photographed by Tobby Burrows, chaise longue by Crate & Barrell and most of the pillows and lamp shades by Edit. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

A surprise bathroom! ‘The church had 3 double doors overlooking the garden and the river before the veranda was added in 1960. This is one of the double doors, now closing the bathroom and its surprising bath,’ says Elise.  Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files

Elise and Pablo’s latest addition – a hanging tree nest, picked up second hand, where friends can rest or sleep during balmy evenings. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.