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| French Provincial Warehouse |
| See how a mechanics warehouse is converted into a beautiful French Provincial style retreat. |
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Barbi and Michael Chandler bought their Annandale warehouse in 1997. It had previously been used as a motor mechanics business and was little more than a shell when they purchased it. In twelve months, Barbi had converted the warehouse into a beautiful French Provincial style retreat.
While the Annandale warehouse wasn't exactly what the Chandlers were looking for, it was the right size for them, and they could see its potential. They were tired of looking at places so purchased the home with big changes in mind. Barbi began renovating as soon as the plans were approved in February 1998.
The roof was raised, and two bedrooms, a bathroom and an office area were created upstairs. The downstairs area became a vast, open plan kitchen, living and dining room. The open-air courtyard was incorporated between the entrance and living sections downstairs. It was separated from the interior through the use of large glass doors. Barbi's favourite aspect of the house is the way she can see into the courtyard from her upstairs bedroom and office, and downstairs living and kitchen area. An architect drew the original plans, and Barbi and builder Jim Rennie adapted them as they went.
French Provincial furniture and architecture have been an on-going passion for Barbi, she's been collecting items for over 15 years. They have close friends who live in Provence, and Barbi's European background has also been an influence. She has worked in wardrobe design for over 16 years, and loves the natural fibres and rustic nature that the provincial style brings.
She is a self-described purist, and thoroughly researched the style before beginning. The window heights were set according to those seen in provincial farmhouses. She used second hand timbers, sourced from the demolition of the old Newmarket Stables. The doors were custom built according to the design seen in country houses in France.
The entire lower level floors were paved with sandstock style bricks, creating a continuity with the courtyard. Barbi had a difficult time finding someone to do the job, as the bricks are so unusual. The quotes from pavers were astronomical, so she persuaded a bricklayer to work horizontally instead of vertically. She originally thought the bricks were convict made, but they were in fact used as ballast for the ships coming to Australia from England in the 18th Century. The bricks were sourced from a local supplier, 'The Brick Pit'.
The front door was bought from 'Country Trader', and came from an old Paris building. The gates, wall brackets and staircase were custom made by Christopher Smith, a blacksmith in Adelaide. Barbi had met him while spending some time there, and was impressed by the quality of his work. She sent him the dimensions and sketches, and he sent the pieces over. He also made the mirror in the main bathroom, to her design. |
More Info
Barbi Chandler Tel: 0414 730 000
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