Gallic Charm

For Annie Sloan and her husband David Manuel, this traditional French farmhouse provides the perfect rural retreat

- Richard Webber

When starting their search for a second home, Annie Sloan and her husband, David Manuel, headed to Normandy, attracted by its beautiful countryside, which is less overrun by tourists than other parts of France. Their objective was clear: to find a property they could transform into a peaceful haven for carefree summer holidays with their young sons, who are now grown up.

Although it is 28 years since the couple first set eyes on their beloved farmhouse, the moment remains etched in their minds. ‘It was blowing a gale and pouring with rain, but as soon as we saw the property, we knew it had endless possibilities,’ says Annie who, along with her husband, runs Annie Sloan Interiors. ‘The house needed lots of work, but we were lucky because there was nothing preventing us moving in straightaway.’

But it was not just the property that appealed to the couple. ‘Its half acre of land was a major plus point, especially with a great farming community around us,’ says Annie.