Maison de Provence

A Little Bit of France*

Set on a private three-acre property surrounded by old-growth trees in Woodway, Washington, this French Country inspired estate began as a singular vision: to build an authentic European estate using historic materials, traditional craftsmanship, and enduring architectural principles.

The search began with land worthy of the vision. Privacy, natural surroundings, and generous space provided the foundation—quiet, grounded, and timeless—allowing the architecture to unfold organically within its environment.

Over several trips to France, the owner traveled village by village through the south of France, Burgundy, and the Champagne region, sourcing reclaimed materials that were already 200 to 300 years old. Each location offered a specialty: limestone, oak beams, clay roof tiles, stone flooring - materials shaped by time and tradition.

Once selected, these elements were gathered from across France and assembled in a central warehouse over an eight-month period, while architectural plans were finalized and permits approved.

The home was conceived as a reinterpretation of rural French estates - substantial, restrained, and deeply connected to place. Every proportion was carefully considered to create a residence that feels established rather than imposed.

To honor the materials, authenticity extended to their installation. A French crew of masons and plasterers was brought onsite to execute the work using traditional techniques. Lime-based plaster, hand-applied and finished with French beeswax, coats both interior and exterior surfaces. The exterior walls are two feet thick solid limestone, echoing historic French construction while providing exceptional durability and insulation.

More than 30 shipping containers arrived after a two-month ocean voyage, coordinated to coincide with the arrival of the French craftsmen. The site transformed as massive stone blocks, hand-cut quoins, antique oak beams, and thousands of clay roof tiles were carefully assembled into place.

Every exterior element was chosen for longevity. French clay roof tiles sit atop a double waterproof membrane. All flashings are copper, even where unseen. Half-round copper gutters with decorative brackets mount to reclaimed antique fascia boards.

Limestone terraces extend the living spaces outdoors, framing an antique French stone basin that forms a tranquil courtyard fountain.

Inside, the home opens into generous volumes with carefully considered ceiling heights and natural flow. Reclaimed limestone floors and antique oak beams continue throughout, with radiant heating beneath solid stone providing modern comfort without compromising authenticity.

Advanced systems—heating, cooling, ventilation, and infrastructure are seamlessly integrated, allowing the architecture and materials to take precedence.

Built from centuries-old materials, shaped by skilled hands, and rooted in a singular vision, this is a residence with provenance, one that feels as though it has always belonged.

*Text by Terry Vehrs

Copper gutters and downspouts

The choice of copper for the gutters and downspouts speaks to durability and longevity, aligned to the client’s deep understanding and appreciation of high-quality construction. The gutter brackets are both decorative and functional, with a refined finial curl at their ends that echoes the corbels of the wood soffits. The downspouts are fitted with a debris clean-out door at their base. Old world craft to suit an architecture built to last for a century.