La Vie en Papotte: A 15th-Century Mill in Burgundy, France, Redone by Heju

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We’ve followed the work of architect couple Hélène Pinaud and Julien Schwartzmann of Paris-based Heju for the better part of five years now, ever since we first profiled their work on their very own tiny apartment near the city’s Place de la Republique. Fast forward through an eventful few years—through posts on their DIY Terrazzo Table, DIY Mirror (Made With Hardware Store Parts), Classic Turned Color-Blocked Paris Apartment for Two Graphic Designers, and more—and now the duo is behind the look of Papotte, a quad of holiday houses and a coffee shop in a revived 15th-century mill in Bligny-sur-Ouche, Burgundy.

“Our main goal was to create a different atmosphere for each house, so each has her own inspirations and palette,” Hélène says—all in gradients of blush, rust, rose. Have a look.

Photography by Heju, except where noted.

The Coffee Shop

papotte is located in a former mill set on \2.5 hectares (a little over six acr 17 — Above: Papotte is located in a former mill set on 2.5 hectares (a little over six acres), including “a large vegetable garden, a fishing pond fed by the river which crosses the entire property, vast fields, a café, and a market,” according to Papotte. Each of the historic spaces was reimagined and revived by Heju, including the reception area, which doubles as a coffee shop and gathering space. Photograph by Ludovic Balay, courtesy of Papotte.

heju&#8\2\17;s vision for the coffee area was, as hélène says: &a 18 — Above: Heju’s vision for the coffee area was, as Hélène says: “pink and playful,” with a terracotta-tiled reception desk at the center. Photograph by Ludovic Balay, courtesy of Papotte.

&#8\2\20;it&#8\2\17;s the first space the clients visit when they arriv 19 — Above: “It’s the first space the clients visit when they arrive at Papotte, so it was important for us that it was bold and had his own identity,” adds Hélène. “We used a palette of warm hues because it is kind of our style and signature.” Inset shelves, for example, got a punchy wash of pink and red paint.

coffee area papotte lodgings in france by heju, photo by ludovic balay 20

house 4 papotte lodgings in france by heju, photo by ludovic balay 21

Above: The seating area features tiled tables. For something similar of Heju’s own design, see DIY: A Summery Side Table by Two Young Paris Architects. Both photograph by Ludovic Balay, courtesy of Papotte.