Ruth and Tom Chapman Rediscover Catroux’s Storied Provence Retreat

This blog post examines the sensitive restoration of Les Ramades, a celebrated home in Lourmarin, Provence. Ruth and Tom Chapman of Matchesfashion recently purchased the property.

It explores how the Chapmans and their design team navigated the challenges of preserving the house’s history under François Catroux. They also adapted it to contemporary living, resulting in an interior that bridges past and present.

Honoring Provençal Heritage with a Contemporary Eye

Les Ramades is not just a house; it is a chapter in design history, shaped for decades by François Catroux and his wife, Betty. The Chapmans’ goal was to preserve the property’s character while making it their own.

The team and the approach

They enlisted decorator Hubert Zandberg and worked with architect Alexandre Lafourcade, son of the original architect. Garden designer Dominique Lafourcade was also involved, continuing a family connection to the property.

The approach valued sensitivity over dramatic change. Every intervention was thoughtful, discreet, and almost invisible to the casual eye.

Craftsmanship, Curated Objects, and Architectural Continuity

The renovation took over two years and involved careful updates to the structure, finishes, and services. Original elements that define the house’s character were maintained.

Key Catroux pieces—screens, furniture, and art—were preserved and integrated with contemporary works. The interiors balance midcentury energy with a calm Provençal palette.

Balancing midcentury energy with Provençal restraint

Ruth’s purist sensibility and Tom’s maximalist instincts were reconciled through restraint in surface treatment. Bold object selection brought in contemporary pieces by designers such as Martino Gamper and Paavo Tynell, which sit alongside Catroux originals.

Systems and modern comforts were updated, but the proportions, materials, and historic joinery were carefully respected.

Lessons for Architects, Designers, and Clients

As an architect and engineer with three decades of practice, the restoration of Les Ramades offers practical lessons for heritage projects. These include the value of multidisciplinary continuity, the importance of preserving provenance, and the benefits of combining subtle intervention with carefully chosen contemporary elements.

The Chapmans’ purchase during COVID lockdown—completed largely via virtual tours—also highlights changing realities in architecture and real estate. Technology enabled a quick acquisition, but the careful, hands-on execution that followed shows that craftsmanship remains essential.

 
Here is the source article for this story: In Provence, Ruth and Tom Chapman Discover a Storied Retreat Once Owned by Style Icons Betty and François Catroux