Farmhouse

Michèle Monory’s Chinon farmhouse is an idyllic getaway from her home basein Paris. After she inherited the property and centuries-old structure from her father, she hired Matali Crasset, who runs a cutting-edge architecture and design firm, to update the living spaces.

"Architecture exists through states of contrast; the building as a bridge between a wooded forest and a field, a strong roof line against a backdrop of trees or mountains. In these states of contrast we truly start to see where we live." -Architect Steve Kredell

BLAIR NICHE PROJECT At just $167 per square foot, this high-design, low-cost barn in rural Wisconsin is an American idyll.

The modern staircase was built with the same salvaged wall planks that are used as flooring throughout.

Seen from a distance, the farmhouse has a time-honored quality, though it’s still clearly a product of the 21st century.

The second-floor office is housed inside a rounded rectangle of concrete that the architect inserted on top of the old farmhouse.