Transforming a family home into a guesthouse in Borest, in the Oise region, in the heart of the former Valois, required extensive interior renovation. The project spanned nearly two and a half years, balancing budgetary constraints, respect for the old building, and a constant desire to preserve the soul of this historically rich place.
Step by step, the renovation of Maison Prieuré, a former 14th-century priory, was built through numerous choices, adaptations, and learning experiences. The objective was simple: to transform this family home into a welcoming guesthouse, while respecting the historical identity of the place.
«"Today, this renovated family home welcomes travelers who come to discover the history of this former 14th-century priory and the unique atmosphere of Maison Prieuré." — Elise
The renovation of my family home into a guesthouse began in January 2021, just after the Covid period. However, the project, business plan, and cost estimates had been drawn up before the health crisis, based on figures that were no longer in line with reality when the work began. Very quickly, choices had to be made, priorities established, some things abandoned, and it became clear that everything couldn't be done immediately.
As the project progressed, the objective quickly became clear: we had to focus on the essentials. We needed to make the house functional, comfortable, and cohesive, while keeping in mind that some improvements could be made later, over the years.
To successfully renovate this family home into a guesthouse, and faced with rising costs, I had to roll up my sleeves. Day after day on the construction site, I learned to do a large part of the finishing work myself. Painting, material selection, colors, wallpaper, moldings: everything was planned and executed on-site, without the help of an interior designer.
This learning took place on the job. Installing moldings, preparing surfaces, painting entire rooms, learning to plaster… sometimes successfully, sometimes with difficulty. The sanding of the placo joints, initially planned as a simple step, turned into two months of intense work… At this point, it quickly became clear that certain tasks needed to be entrusted to a professional.
«"I learned how to install moldings, how to apply plaster, how to paint each room... and to love every step, even when it was exhausting."»
Day after day, the organization evolved to become more efficient. A craftsman gradually took over the ceilings, undercoats, and large surfaces painted white. Outsourcing these stages allowed me to secure the foundations and move the project forward more quickly.
For my part, I kept everything related to the finishes and decorative choices: the colors, the wallpapers, the accent walls, and the details room by room. This allowed me to remain fully involved in the identity of each space. Every decorative decision, every detail, was built up gradually, at my own pace, with greater control and realism.
Discover the rooms and experience the result of this renovation
The decoration was built instinctively, often resonating with memories of the rooms. Some rooms have rediscovered, almost unconsciously, colours or patterns that were already present in the past: a revisited pink, large floral wallpapers, plant and natural references.
The design approach was clear from the outset. Therefore, I opted for bold wallpapers, balanced by more contemporary elements. Graphic bedside tables, modern lines, and metallic touches interact with four-poster beds, antique volumes, and historical furniture.
Nearly 90 pieces of furniture have been preserved and reintegrated into the current decor. The large antique wardrobes, over three meters high and present for generations, are fully integrated into the identity of Maison Prieuré.
The creation of the family suite It arose from a double constraint: the regulatory limitation to five guest rooms and the existence of two adjoining rooms without the possibility of fitting out two separate bathrooms.
The solution involved completely redesigning a hallway, dividing it in two to combine the two bedrooms into a single family unit. A bathroom and toilet already existed in the middle of the landing: their position proved ideal, giving the impression that they had been designed from the outset for this suite.
To create a cohesive and functional space, an antique door was searched for over several months across France. Naturally, it had to fit the hallway dimensions perfectly. Installed as is, this door now provides a natural closure to the space. In this way, it gives the family suite a true sense of unity, as if it had always been this way.
Among the most significant transformations, the Elizabeth room occupies a special place. Formerly a family bedroom, it was covered with large floral wallpaper, laid up to the ceiling, and structured around a niche framed by custom-made cupboards, designed for a small bed.
These layouts made the space dark and cramped. We removed all the cupboards to open up the room and create a more spacious feel. The electrical wiring was also redistributed.
""Every decorative detail has been designed to create a balance between old and new, history and contemporary.""
The initial idea was to position the bed facing the fireplace. However, this was reinterpreted with a 180cm bed, in order to combine comfort and respect for the character of the room.
Creating the adjoining bathroom proved more complex. The floors had been raised to accommodate the plumbing, making a standard hinged door impossible.
After careful consideration, the solution was to install antique sliding doors, integrated directly into the wall. They now offer an elegant and seamless transition between the bed and the bathroom, while preserving the room's historical charm.
Throughout the entire project, I was careful to preserve the existing structure. Therefore, the volumes, moldings, high baseboards, and original features were retained whenever possible. The goal was never to radically transform the house. Rather, it was about adapting it to a new use while respecting its history and unique character.
Maison Prieuré, a former 14th-century priory, embodies a certain humility in its architectural choices. Therefore, every decision was guided by the desire to reveal what already existed, rather than imposing a style disconnected from the identity of the place. In other words, the renovation was a constant dialogue with the soul of the house, each intervention seeking to enhance its history rather than erase it.
The renovation was exclusively interior; the exterior was not altered. The house is listed as a historical monument, which implies significant constraints and a deep respect for the existing structure.
On the ground floor, the layout of the spaces has remained faithful to the historical use of the house:
The dining room became the breakfast room, the living room remained a common space, open to all, and the rooms retained their original function.
Therefore, the most significant work took place upstairs. Originally, there were no bathrooms. To meet the requirements of a guest house, it was necessary to create a bathroom for each bedroom, with all the constraints that this entails: creating drainage systems, technical access points, adapting the floors and redistributing the space.
The existing layout, however, offered a valuable opportunity: between several bedrooms were small intermediate rooms, originally intended as washrooms but never connected to water. These spaces made it possible to create bathrooms without altering the character of the existing bedrooms.
Among the major works undertaken, the complete renovation of the roof was an essential step. The condition of the roof made it impossible to confidently proceed with the rest of the project without first addressing this crucial element of the house.
Because the façade is a listed building, every decision was approved by the French Heritage Buildings Authority. Thus, materials, colours, and methods were carefully chosen to respect the historical character of the site. This intervention, invisible at first glance, laid the foundation for a sustainable and well-managed renovation.
Some spaces have not yet been developed, mainly due to cost considerations. A large room, formerly used for family gatherings, could eventually become a dedicated space for workshops, activities, or seminars.
«"After Covid, all our quotes were outdated... We had to choose, prioritize, and sometimes invent solutions ourselves."»
An outbuilding has also been prepared to accommodate a future wellness area: the networks have been anticipated, the electricity and drainage systems installed, but the interior fitting remains to be done when the budget allows.
These projects are part of a long-term vision, faithful to the history of the house: to move forward step by step, without rushing, respecting the place, its constraints and its rhythm.
The interior renovation of this family home, which has been converted into a guest house, took place over nearly two and a half years, between 2021 and 2023. The project made it possible to adapt the house to the requirements of a guest house while respecting the old building.
No. The goal was to preserve the soul of the place. The volumes, the moldings, the antique furniture and the general layout of the house were preserved as much as possible.
Yes. Maison Prieuré now welcomes travelers in its furnished rooms and suites in the heart of this former 14th-century priory.
Today, Maison Prieuré welcomes travelers in a a place steeped in history, where every detail of the renovation was designed to create a A perfect balance between memory and modernity. Staying here means living in a unique guesthouse, located in the heart of a former monastic estate, between contemporary comfort and preserved heritage. Each room tells a story, and each space immerses you in the soul of the 14th century priory, while offering a modern and welcoming experience.
Transforming a family home into a guesthouse in Borest, in the Oise region, in the heart of the former Valois, required extensive interior renovation. The project spanned nearly two and a half years, balancing budgetary constraints, respect for the old building, and a constant desire to preserve the soul of this historically rich place.
Step by step, the renovation of Maison Prieuré, a former 14th-century priory, was built through numerous choices, adaptations, and learning experiences. The objective was simple: to transform this family home into a welcoming guesthouse, while respecting the historical identity of the place.
«"Today, this renovated family home welcomes travelers who come to discover the history of this former 14th-century priory and the unique atmosphere of Maison Prieuré." — Elise
The renovation of my family home into a guesthouse began in January 2021, just after the Covid period. However, the project, business plan, and cost estimates had been drawn up before the health crisis, based on figures that were no longer in line with reality when the work began. Very quickly, choices had to be made, priorities established, some things abandoned, and it became clear that everything couldn't be done immediately.
As the project progressed, the objective quickly became clear: we had to focus on the essentials. We needed to make the house functional, comfortable, and cohesive, while keeping in mind that some improvements could be made later, over the years.
To successfully renovate this family home into a guesthouse, and faced with rising costs, I had to roll up my sleeves. Day after day on the construction site, I learned to do a large part of the finishing work myself. Painting, material selection, colors, wallpaper, moldings: everything was planned and executed on-site, without the help of an interior designer.
This learning took place on the job. Installing moldings, preparing surfaces, painting entire rooms, learning to plaster… sometimes successfully, sometimes with difficulty. The sanding of the placo joints, initially planned as a simple step, turned into two months of intense work… At this point, it quickly became clear that certain tasks needed to be entrusted to a professional.
«"I learned how to install moldings, how to apply plaster, how to paint each room... and to love every step, even when it was exhausting."»
Day after day, the organization evolved to become more efficient. A craftsman gradually took over the ceilings, undercoats, and large surfaces painted white. Outsourcing these stages allowed me to secure the foundations and move the project forward more quickly.
For my part, I kept everything related to the finishes and decorative choices: the colors, the wallpapers, the accent walls, and the details room by room. This allowed me to remain fully involved in the identity of each space. Every decorative decision, every detail, was built up gradually, at my own pace, with greater control and realism.
Discover the rooms and experience the result of this renovation
The decoration was built instinctively, often resonating with memories of the rooms. Some rooms have rediscovered, almost unconsciously, colours or patterns that were already present in the past: a revisited pink, large floral wallpapers, plant and natural references.
The design approach was clear from the outset. Therefore, I opted for bold wallpapers, balanced by more contemporary elements. Graphic bedside tables, modern lines, and metallic touches interact with four-poster beds, antique volumes, and historical furniture.
Nearly 90 pieces of furniture have been preserved and reintegrated into the current decor. The large antique wardrobes, over three meters high and present for generations, are fully integrated into the identity of Maison Prieuré.
The creation of the family suite It arose from a double constraint: the regulatory limitation to five guest rooms and the existence of two adjoining rooms without the possibility of fitting out two separate bathrooms.
The solution involved completely redesigning a hallway, dividing it in two to combine the two bedrooms into a single family unit. A bathroom and toilet already existed in the middle of the landing: their position proved ideal, giving the impression that they had been designed from the outset for this suite.
To create a cohesive and functional space, an antique door was searched for over several months across France. Naturally, it had to fit the hallway dimensions perfectly. Installed as is, this door now provides a natural closure to the space. In this way, it gives the family suite a true sense of unity, as if it had always been this way.
Among the most significant transformations, the Elizabeth room occupies a special place. Formerly a family bedroom, it was covered with large floral wallpaper, laid up to the ceiling, and structured around a niche framed by custom-made cupboards, designed for a small bed.
These layouts made the space dark and cramped. We removed all the cupboards to open up the room and create a more spacious feel. The electrical wiring was also redistributed.
""Every decorative detail has been designed to create a balance between old and new, history and contemporary.""
The initial idea was to position the bed facing the fireplace. However, this was reinterpreted with a 180cm bed, in order to combine comfort and respect for the character of the room.
Creating the adjoining bathroom proved more complex. The floors had been raised to accommodate the plumbing, making a standard hinged door impossible.
After careful consideration, the solution was to install antique sliding doors, integrated directly into the wall. They now offer an elegant and seamless transition between the bed and the bathroom, while preserving the room's historical charm.
Throughout the entire project, I was careful to preserve the existing structure. Therefore, the volumes, moldings, high baseboards, and original features were retained whenever possible. The goal was never to radically transform the house. Rather, it was about adapting it to a new use while respecting its history and unique character.
Maison Prieuré, a former 14th-century priory, embodies a certain humility in its architectural choices. Therefore, every decision was guided by the desire to reveal what already existed, rather than imposing a style disconnected from the identity of the place. In other words, the renovation was a constant dialogue with the soul of the house, each intervention seeking to enhance its history rather than erase it.
The renovation was exclusively interior; the exterior was not altered. The house is listed as a historical monument, which implies significant constraints and a deep respect for the existing structure.
On the ground floor, the layout of the spaces has remained faithful to the historical use of the house:
The dining room became the breakfast room, the living room remained a common space, open to all, and the rooms retained their original function.
Therefore, the most significant work took place upstairs. Originally, there were no bathrooms. To meet the requirements of a guest house, it was necessary to create a bathroom for each bedroom, with all the constraints that this entails: creating drainage systems, technical access points, adapting the floors and redistributing the space.
The existing layout, however, offered a valuable opportunity: between several bedrooms were small intermediate rooms, originally intended as washrooms but never connected to water. These spaces made it possible to create bathrooms without altering the character of the existing bedrooms.
Among the major works undertaken, the complete renovation of the roof was an essential step. The condition of the roof made it impossible to confidently proceed with the rest of the project without first addressing this crucial element of the house.
Because the façade is a listed building, every decision was approved by the French Heritage Buildings Authority. Thus, materials, colours, and methods were carefully chosen to respect the historical character of the site. This intervention, invisible at first glance, laid the foundation for a sustainable and well-managed renovation.
Some spaces have not yet been developed, mainly due to cost considerations. A large room, formerly used for family gatherings, could eventually become a dedicated space for workshops, activities, or seminars.
«"After Covid, all our quotes were outdated... We had to choose, prioritize, and sometimes invent solutions ourselves."»
An outbuilding has also been prepared to accommodate a future wellness area: the networks have been anticipated, the electricity and drainage systems installed, but the interior fitting remains to be done when the budget allows.
These projects are part of a long-term vision, faithful to the history of the house: to move forward step by step, without rushing, respecting the place, its constraints and its rhythm.
The interior renovation of this family home, which has been converted into a guest house, took place over nearly two and a half years, between 2021 and 2023. The project made it possible to adapt the house to the requirements of a guest house while respecting the old building.
No. The goal was to preserve the soul of the place. The volumes, the moldings, the antique furniture and the general layout of the house were preserved as much as possible.
Yes. Maison Prieuré now welcomes travelers in its furnished rooms and suites in the heart of this former 14th-century priory.
Today, Maison Prieuré welcomes travelers in a a place steeped in history, where every detail of the renovation was designed to create a A perfect balance between memory and modernity. Staying here means living in a unique guesthouse, located in the heart of a former monastic estate, between contemporary comfort and preserved heritage. Each room tells a story, and each space immerses you in the soul of the 14th century priory, while offering a modern and welcoming experience.
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Elise — 06 98 30 76 95 elise.maisonprieure@gmail.com
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Maison Prieuré is a family-run guest house, located between Senlis and Chantilly.
A carefully renovated former priory, passed down through four generations, to welcome couples, families and friends for a special interlude.
Find us
Priory house
2 Place du Tisart
60300 Borest
GPS coordinates: 49.180652, 2.668279
Follow life at the house on Instagram:
@maisonprieure (over 20,000 followers)
+33 6 98 30 76 95
elise.maisonprieure@gmail.com
2 Place du Tisart
60300 Borest
Follow us on Instagram: @maisonprieure
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Over 20k followers @maisonprieure
