Recently Sean and I had the great pleasure of spending a morning with this lovely creative couple – Elise Pioch Balzac of Maison Balzac Candles and her husband, Pablo Chappell of Chappelli Cycles, at their beautiful country home. I don’t know if it was the peaceful surroundings or Elise’s amazing French accent (!!), but being here really felt a world away from urban Sydney!
Elise and Pablo’s home is a converted weatherboard church, perched on a block of land near the Hawkesbury River. The church dates back to 1880, and was operational until 10 years ago. ‘It has seen many floods and bush fires, and we hope it will brave Australia’s hazards for a few more centuries’ says Elise. As outlined above, the pair purchased the church 5 years ago, but in Elise’s own words, it was ‘a derelict weekender’ until they decided to move here full time a year ago, just before the arrival of their daughter LouLou (now 10 months old).
When asked to outline the renovations they have undertaken here, Elise doesn’t quite know quite where to start! ‘Oh God, we’ve done so much to the church!’ she says. The first big job was to weatherboard the whole inside of the building, and paint throughout. The pair also demolished internal walls on the back veranda to create their big, bright kitchen which looks out to the garden and trees beyond. The most recent works were completed last year whilst Elise was nine months pregnant (!) – ‘my nesting instinct made us build the mezzanine bedroom!’ she says!
Elise and Pablo’s decorating approach is relaxed and refreshingly frugal. ‘We have added things slowly and carefully’ says Elise. The pair have a knack for finding hidden treasure at antique auctions, and during their travels. The antique kitchen bench was purchased at auction and refurbished by Elise’s parents during one of their stays here. The sweet sconce lights in the mezzanine bedroom are one of Elise’s favourite details, having been salvaged from a chateau near her hometown in France. ‘They make me feel like a princess when I turn them on in bed’ Elise says.
Of course, like any industrious creative couple, Elise and Pablo are always hungry for the next project. Their next plans for the church include (in this order!): a black and white bathroom, a timber deck out the back and a plunge pool. ‘We’re hoping the plunge pool will be done by next summer, as it gets awfully hot out here!’ says Elise.
You had me at ‘rural’. Love it another cracker, Lucy.
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Marvellous to see a rural nest.. hope to see more of these and am practising my French daily in anticipation…
I love a country house! This is just beautiful xx
Love this beautiful house – it’s been done so carefully and perfectly, it looks just right.
sooo gorgeous
faints
amazing
thank you
Wow – this is one of my favourite homes i’ve seen you feature – really light but so cosy, i love it x
Sitting here with my cup of tea reading about this beautiful house is such a delight! Thank you as always x
Favourite house featured with the most charm luv it :-)
Simplicity is the key.I have 20 year old mobile home in Kerry Ireland. It sits in a field that runs down to the beach. Im hoping to buy a wooden chalet. Ill also have a stove. Insupport the idea of adding things slowl.
Beautiful! That bath! Thank you x
this has got to be on of my favourite homes I’ve seen so far. absolutely gorgeous and homey and elegant!
I always look forward to the Wednesday TDF post!
So beautiful and serene. I love the hidden bath and the mezzanine bedroom. Simple yet so cosy. Thanks for sharing. I also love Elise’s candles-beautiful scents and love the design-these are my go to candles for gift giving!
swoon. favourite. excellent collected treasures. thanks
Every Wednesday morning I find myself going, “It’s Wednesday! It’s Design Files House Day!” I always head on over straightaway – and this one had me swooning from the start. I have ALWAYS been obsessed with church conversions and would love to live in one – there is a beautiful one near my home that I always stare at in a creepy manner when I drive past. And THIS church conversion is one of the best. Just beautiful. Nice find Lucy!
I think this is actually my dream home. I’ve always loved the idea converting a little old church and they’ve done a beautiful job of making the most of the original features, whilst making it a comfortable home. Love!
but I have already seen this house in a magazine somewhere – Country Style last year? It’s a lovely house but it’s not new.
Stunning!!
This is just wonderful. Those floors are amazing!
So simplistic. Beautiful renovation, it would be an absolute pleasure to live here. A well placed bike, floral cushions and cosy throw rug in the lofty lounge area, and the cabinet with French plates in the kitchen, very simple ways to add some of the owners personality into the home.