Maison Forte is a beautiful example of old and new working together. This 14th-century fortified home keeps its rustic exterior and historic stone character. Inside, however, the rooms feel warm, functional, and modern.
The project blends old hand-chiseled stone, exposed timber beams, oak flooring, contemporary lighting, modern cabinetry, and selected traditional furniture. As a result, the home feels both historic and comfortable.
A Rustic Exterior with a Modern Interior
From the outside, the home keeps the character of a centuries-old European residence. Stone walls, wood shutters, red tile roofing, and the surrounding landscape give the house a quiet rustic presence.
Inside, the design takes a different approach. Modern details make the rooms easier to live in, while original architectural features keep the home connected to its past.
Old Stone and New Oak
One of the strongest features is the contrast between old stone and new oak. In several rooms, original stone walls sit beside clean plaster surfaces, modern lighting, and carefully finished wood floors.
The solid oak flooring adds warmth throughout the home. In many rooms, the floor uses a herringbone or chevron pattern, which gives the interior movement and a more refined finish.
Exposed Beams and Historic Character
The exposed timber beams bring age and character into the living spaces. In some rooms, the old rafters remain visible above contemporary furniture and lighting.
This contrast creates a relaxed European feeling. The rooms do not feel overly formal. Instead, they feel collected, comfortable, and personal.
Bedrooms with Old and New Details
The bedrooms continue the same blend of styles. Oak floors, exposed rafters, textured walls, and modern upholstered beds create a calm foundation.
Traditional Venetian chests and matching nightstands add warmth and detail. At the same time, contemporary headboards, modern lamps, and clean-lined wardrobes keep the rooms fresh and practical.
In one bedroom, a rustic walnut writing table with turned legs sits beside a contemporary chair covered in bright orange suede. This mix gives the room charm and personality.
Contemporary Bathrooms
The bathrooms use a quieter and more modern approach. Natural oak vanities bring warmth to the clean spaces. Simple vessel sinks, large mirrors, soft lighting, and modern tile surfaces keep the design fresh.
In one bath, a green marble tub surround adds a dramatic natural element. Meanwhile, the oak cabinetry and pale tile surfaces keep the room balanced.
Modern Storage and Closets
The home also includes practical custom storage. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets with sliding doors help make the most of limited space.
Open shelving adds easy access and visual relief. Together, the cabinets and shelves create a clean closet area without overwhelming the room.
Kitchen and Modern Amenities
The kitchen combines white contemporary cabinetry with original old wood beams. This contrast gives the kitchen a clean modern function while preserving the home’s rustic character.
The result feels updated, but not out of place. The old beams add warmth, while the modern cabinets provide the storage and convenience needed for daily living.
Elevator with Custom Details
A contemporary elevator adds modern comfort to the historic residence. The design includes stainless steel, walnut paneling, and an inlaid hardwood floor.
This detail shows how modern luxuries can be added with care. Even a functional feature becomes part of the overall design.
Living Spaces with European Character
The living areas combine antique-style furniture, modern seating, decorative lighting, patterned rugs, and textured wall treatments. A coffered oak ceiling adds a strong architectural detail to one room.
Other spaces use large-scale artwork, contemporary shelving, and dramatic pendant lighting. Therefore, each room has its own character while still feeling connected to the rest of the home.
A Warm and Livable Restoration
Maison Forte shows how a historic property can be transformed without losing its soul. The stone walls, old beams, and rustic exterior remain important parts of the home.
At the same time, new oak floors, modern bathrooms, custom closets, contemporary lighting, and updated living spaces make the residence warm and comfortable. The finished interior respects the past while creating a home suited for modern living.
Photo collection may include completed installations as well as work shown during the installation process.
