Based on the storybook exterior, I anticipated a magical interior.
And knowing the artists/potters Claire and Andy Squire, I expected it would be personal, handmade, intriguing and fun. 
Their living space, workshop and gallery are housed in La Maison des Sangliers, an iconic 15th-century, half-timbered building bordering the village square in Noyers-Sur-Serein, France. Like most of the homes and buildings in the village, theirs possesses an old world unconventionality – what we recognize as charm – owing to centuries of adaptive reuse, the challenges of installing modern services, and strict municipal guidelines designed to protect the village’s patrimoine. When they first bought the house the living spaces were not connected; an outside staircase bridged the upper floors to the lower.
Each room flows in a series of vignettes placed within a greater, connecting narrative. Claire possesses a rare compositional prowess – an ability to group objects in a harmonious, exciting and unpretentious manner – which elevates the common to the divine. And her bold and surprising colour palette showcases the eye and heart of a gifted artist.
Their home is full of stories, of the history of the family, friends, travels and creative accomplishments. It reflects sixteen years of a life well-lived, surrounded by people well-loved, in one of the most beautiful villages in France. I could have spent hours observing the thousands of details, not to mention touching everything. Really, I could have moved in right then and there.
A few years ago Claire and Andy put the house up for sale, looking for a life change, a shake-up, to be accompanied by a move to England. The sign was posted and second thoughts appeared. Seems everything they wanted and valued was already inside their four beautiful walls.
