Nestled in the heart of Monfort l'Amaury in the Yvelines, lies a historic country house that has been thoroughly transformed by the discerning eye of French designer Francesco Balzano and his interior architecture studio, AFTER BACH

AFTER BACH’s latest project is a masterclass in elegant simplicity and quiet luxury. The village itself is steeped in history, forming part of a historic block of buildings once home to Coco Chanel and Colette, and situated at the edge of the forest. This illustrious past—which counts Philippe Starck and Florent Pagny among its former residents—sets a grand stage for a home that aims for a profound sense of calm and authenticity. Francesco Balzano's intentions for the 150-square-meter, two-level residence were crystal clear: to prioritize nature and evoke a holiday spirit through light, natural materials, and unpretentious authenticity.

An Ode to Natural Materials

The material palette is a deliberate echo of the Mediterranean's luminous quality. The house's woodwork is painted in two distinct white values, subtly brought into vibration to catch the light. Floors are a study in tactile elegance, featuring softened Roman travertine in an opus pattern on the ground level, while the upstairs is warmly dressed in natural sea reed. The wet rooms continue this theme of authenticity and freshness, appointed with Spanish mosaics, enamelled fixtures, and classic English faucets.

On the ground floor, a double living room flows seamlessly into the garden, leading to a kitchen and laundry room. The master suite is a true sanctuary, boasting private garden access and a spacious en suite bathroom.

The upper level, cleverly utilizing the attic space, has been rehabilitated to create two distinct wings. One side houses an office and a guest room, while the other—positioned on the garden side—conceals a charming, private studio with its own exclusive entrance from the grounds.

A Learned Hut Atmosphere

The central living room is anchored by an antique fireplace, a stately element that enters into a dialogue with contemporary works of art and minimalist furnishings. Here, Balzano's signature pieces - including a travertine thread, a bench, and a resin vase - mingle with Scandinavian furniture and carefully selected 1950s relics, cultivating a luxurious yet "learned hut" atmosphere. The furniture throughout the house, from the kitchen to the bedrooms and the living room, is further enriched by Venetian tapestries featuring delicate vegetated and animal motifs.

The home’s connection to its surroundings is complete in the garden, which adjoins the forest and is enclosed by a stone wall dating back to the time of Anne of Bretagne. This blend of historic roots and minimalist architecture creates a haven of peace, a call to contemplation just minutes away from the intensity of Paris.