French dressing

Full of Gallic charm but set in sunny southern California, Andalynn and Brandon Richie's elegant home proves that looks can be deceiving

- WORDS FIFI O'NEILL

Elfin Forest — the name alone conjures up a magical realm. But if that wasn't enough to intrigue, then the home of Andalynn and Brandon Richie certainly will. Set above a multi-level terraced garden and surrounded by an abundance of fragrant roses and aromatic lavender, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the South of France... but the setting is in fact southern California.

When the Richies acquired the property in 2012, it held no resemblance to its current and undeniably French elegance. 'A dear friend found the house for us,' recalls Andalynn. 'Though there was absolutely nothing appealing about it, she knew it could be amazing. And we could see the potential it held.'