Lefever Studio Q.1. 2007 French Priori: Karen and Patrice

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Q.1.2007 French Priori

The French Priori of Patrice and Karen
The start of something grand: the restoration of a 12th Century Priori.

A document of a restoration
On a dream and a desire, Patrice and Karen purchased a 12th Century Priory which they found on the internet. Located in the French countryside a few miles from Le Blanc, the priori is just what Patrice and Karen were looking for. Karen, a landscape architect (and LeFever client), and Patrice, a old world craftsman wood worker (furniture and doors for estates) have decided to restore this French Priori to its original condition, using traditional methods of the time.

2007

SACRED SPACE

Given his interest in documenting sacred space, LeFever was invited to photograph the priori as a beginning document to the restoration. While there in the country side LeFever was also taken to buildings in the surrounding cities and capped with a two day return to Paris.

RELATED LINKS:
French Countryside
Paris

PATRICE & KAREN

Patrice and Karen in the Apse window of their priori (above) Karen (below) discussing plans for her office. Patrice standing (next below) in front of one of the three separate external structures on the property. Karen and Patrice in their hospitable dining room with a fire in the hearth (last below).

A REGENERATIVE FUTURE

Future plans for the priori restoration is that it will be used for healing and regeneration for cancer patient recovery (Karen herself survived cancer). The grounds will be landscaped with health in mind. The sense of the country and the pace of life combined with the beauty of place all are healing in their way. Plans to hold workshops stressing a return to the holism of hand crafting wood combined with the spirit/body connection in the process, and the love for a life not found easily in the United States are all planned upon priori restoration. Tthe restoration itself is a work of love fueled by a zest for life possessed by both Karen and Patrice, and shared with those around them.