12 French-inspired country homes to fall in love with

From the oak table and chairs to the Jean Baptiste print by French painter Pascal Amblard and fresh flowers foraged from the garden, the interiors of this 19th-century cottage on a rose farm in Trentham, Victoria, have a strong French influence without being “too frilly or fluffy”.

From a farmhouse in Normandy all the way to Geraldton in Western Australia’s Mid West, the French owner of this two-storey farmhouse has successfully infused plenty of provincial flair throughout her coastal home. From the blue shutters to the framed French prints, this home is full of charm.

Mount Tamborine meets the French countryside in this renovated European-style farmhouse, which features recycled brick floors, antique French chandeliers, pretty floral wallpaper, antique pieces and a Lacanche Delft Blue oven from France.“I wanted to feel like I was living in the French countryside without having to travel – rambling gardens and a home filled with fresh flowers and vintage treasures,” one of the owners says.

A black feature wall modernises the otherwise traditional French provincial kitchen in this grand brick farmhouse with European-inspired style. Rather than renovating, the owners have focused on adding texture to the interior, using furnishings found on visits to flea markets and country swap meets as well as other vintage treasures they have collected over the years.

This French-style farmhouse with a terracotta-tiled roof could easily have been transplanted from Southern France. For the owners, Narelle and Andrew Glynn, their country retreat in Trentham, Victoria, is the next best thing to them being there. “We loved everything French — the architecture, food, gastronomy and culture — and we tried to get back there whenever we could,” says Narelle.

An inviting French provincial-style kitchen is the heart of Willow Farm homestead, an accommodation, wedding and event space on the NSW South Coast. Classic French style runs through the rest of the home, from the rustic dining room with mismatched chairs and fresh foliage to the master ensuite that features reclaimed French doors opening onto the garden.

A lover of European vintage and antique pieces, from the classic to the quirky, up to the early 20th century and “all things French”, fashion designer Victoria Varrasso’s charming French provincial cottage in Daylesford, Victoria, is full of character and charm.

The owner of this 1860s cottage in Rydal, NSW, indulges her love of French country style with imported textiles and embellishments like handmade chandelier shades and restored furniture. “Having spent much time there, I think the French concept of country living is beautiful. I have tried to adapt that to Australian life,” she says.

Owned by two self-proclaimed Francophiles, this historic post office-turned-family home in Moruya is full of subtle nods to French style. We particularly love the classic country kitchen, which has been revamped with blue cabinetry and decorative teapots.

Home to Australia’s largest magnolia tree, an abundant fruit orchard and cascading old willow trees, ‘Braebrook’ began life as a dairy farm, but today lives on as a French-inspired holiday home. Situated in Kangaroo Valley, the house was decorated by interiors expert Melissa Penfold, who is known for her incredible eye a love for French country style.

“We wanted everything to feel like it had been there for 100 years,” says the owner of this French-inspired farmhouse near Gerringong, NSW. And thanks to rich timber flooring, touches of Carrara marble, exposed ceiling beams, and, of course, some hanging copper pots, it feels just like an old French farmhouse.

A Georgian-style home on the hillside in East Launceston has been treated to a French provincial makeover. Furnished with pieces the homeowner has collected from childhood, as well as European country-style furniture, the heritage home celebrates salvaged style with French flair.