It’s quite unusual in Cognac region to have such low températures withing the day : -7°C or -9°C. I presume that the scandinavian and canadian friends of the blog will just smile and think that it’s out of mind to say it’s cold, but for us, it is ! A white coat on the roofs and landscapes till noon, is quite exceptionnal. To be trendy, I putted on my white confortable coat.
31 very intense days, as usual on december, to be ready for Christmas and new year holidays. Back in pictures on some highlights.
The scottish photograph, Mark Unsworth, is the guest of Cognac Museum till mid january. Famous specialist of food and beverage world, and more specially of the distilleries of Islay island where he lives and works, he has brought a fresh look on cognac distilleries of small properties. And for him, it has been the story of a nice discovery. Continue reading In the privacy of cognac distilleries
As for many of us, september means “back to work”. Fortunately we live in a so lovely countryside in Charente, that with sunny and warm weather, it seemed to be still holidays time in cognac vineyards … A lot of nice things to do and to see, and first of all, the famous “circuit des remparts d’Angoulême”. A race in the town for classic and vintage cars, and the opportunity for a car stroll the day before in cognac vineyards and charente landscape for many drivers, a lot of them coming from abroad each year. Continue reading September in cognac vineyards, the indian summer
Let me tell you the true story of a sleeping beauty in cognac vineyards and of two princes of design, elegance, and creativity coming for Miami. For Pierre and Max, it has been love at first sight for this 15th century manor left to rot for a too long time.
“In twenty years when I look back on this chapter of my life, I hope I will remember most the regular walks we take around the Logis with our three dogs, and our cat Nelson. We walk, the dogs unleashed and totally free, for hours-on-end and pass through forests and farmland, by lakes and rivers, and rarely see anyone. The communal destination-of-choice is a source which was framed in carved limestone over 600 years ago and where today the dogs love to swim. And then I think, “Where else in the world in 2010, and only 2 hours from Paris by train” ?
This poetic words, Max wrote them in the agenda he created to highlight “the best of Charente”. Since 2010, 7 editions have beeen printed for the new year, each of them with a special tone : stone of Charente, gastronomy and cognac, roman art, skilled artisans, history and so on…
Belgian native, Pierre worked for a long time in States and felt the desire to return back in Europe, and Max, american citizen, who studyied for a while in Firenza, dreamed to live on the old continent. One day, they left their superb property of Miami and travelled a lot, mainly in Italia and South France, to find their new restling home : need of wide space for their animals, and sun for them. The quest finished as they passed the imposant front porch of the Logis : it was there and nowhere else.
They did not know anybody when they arrived, they are famous nowadays, here and not only. Max and Pierre have restored the manor in a magistral manner, in a total respect of the architecture and with a mad skill for interior design. Working with local crafstmen, they used simple, rough material found on the site : wood, steel, old farm tools… an incredible mix of modern design and re-interpreted old materials. After 3 years and half of hard work, the Logis recovered his past beauty..The result is so successfull that Pierre and Max opened a boutique in the barn, called “Sortie de grange” featuring decorative objects, antiques, lighting, gifts, fabrics and finds.
And in the outbuildings, overlooking the nice courtyard, they have nestled their B&B, 3 stunning bedrooms, and a guest cottage, each of them named after a former owner of the Logis. International livestyle, design, tourism and architecture media regularly publish on Logis de Puygaty and their gifted owners.
Max always thought that Charente, which is the adminstrativ area of Cognac region but not only, was not enough known. During 7 years, he edited a luxury agenda called “Best of Charente” to highlight the hidden facets of the region. Max is one of the best ambassadors or Charente in the world. ” There is, here in Charente, a heritage which must be know all around the world. To make it known, I have had the idea of the agenda”
Who hasn’t dreamed of such a place ?
Good new, you can spend a few days in Logis de Puygaty, so kindly welcomed by Max and Pierre and their good fellows, Farouk, Jackie, Alzane the dogs and Nelson the cat.
You will discover a discret lifestyle, the location is utterly serene and peaceful, and you never forget the stunning welcome of Pierre and Max. The guest book speaks for them.
Thank you so much Dear Max.
More photos video and all informations on :
http://www.logisdepuygaty.com/