While on assignment photographing Château Life for publisher Assouline I shot dozens of reception rooms in private homes across the French countryside. Included among them was a sumptuous sitting room in Château Haut-Bailly, near the city of Bordeaux, and Prince Robert of Luxembourg's formal dining room in Château Haut-Brion. ⁠ ⁠ Beyond the architectural features and furniture, I try to capture something of the feeling and atmosphere in each room. Occasionally that's easier to achieve in the smaller, informal areas - the ones used most often by the home's inhabitants. ⁠ ⁠ Such was the case in this country kitchen, with its buttermilk-coloured walls and natural light spilling from small windows on both sides. The cosy room is found inside the otherwise stately Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the 18th century home of Daniel and Florence Cathiard. ⁠ I took the photo just before we sat down for a long lunch. On the menu was local French fare, including several traditional veal dishes, accompanied by a number of Château Smith Haut Lafitte's famous wines. This was not your average working lunch which invariably happens on the run!⁠ ⁠ “CHÂTEAU LIFE: Cuisine & Style in the French Countryside” is written by Jane Webster and includes over fifty of her favourite recipes. It is available at assouline.com and their bookstores around the world.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ @janewebsterthefrenchtable @assouline @smithhautlafitte @chateauhautbrion_ @chateauhautbailly @robynlephotography #châteaulife #château #luxuryinteriors #photography #recipes #assouline #bordeaux #frenchcuisine #frenchinteriors #interiors #hautbailly #chateauhautbailly #france #travel #robynlea #grandcruclasse #chateauhautbrion #terroir #bordeauxwine #wine #winelover #pessacleognan #vineyard #harvest #grapes #premiergrandcruclasse #cabernetsauvignon #cabernetfranc #merlot⁠ ⁠ Photo © Robyn Lea⁠