Some treasures in life are discovered unexpectedly, and their rewards are deeply fulfilling.

 

This house—our Gaspard—is one such treasure. Its story, and the journey that led us to it, mirrors our own as a couple, making its transformation all the more meaningful.

 

For years, we strolled past this striking house during our morning walks to Phossy Mountain. We often stopped to marvel at it, peeking over the fence at the fragrant jasmine, sprawling banana leaves, and tangled brambles that framed the property, sparking our imaginations. What if we lived here? What could we create here? These questions lingered in our minds, and we began to dream.

 

One day, fate intervened—the house came up for sale. We instinctively knew this was our opportunity.

 

Over tea with the grandson of the former owner, we learned the enchanting history of the home. Nearly a century ago, a young French doctor settled here with his Lao bride, their union a harmonious blend of two worlds.

 

Together, they built a life in this house, raising children and grandchildren who filled its halls with laughter, mischief, and the simple joys of family. The home itself reflected their union—a seamless marriage of French art de vivre and the earthy warmth of Luang Prabang.

 

This serendipitous connection to the house’s past resonated with us deeply. Its history mirrored our own story, and we felt a responsibility to honor it while breathing new life into its walls.

 

As we explored the house, its potential began to unfold. The sturdy plastered brick walls evoked memories of rustic farmhouse kitchens in southern France, where hearty meals were lovingly prepared. The overgrown garden became Toune’s sanctuary, a place where she patiently nursed plants back to life, creating a verdant oasis. Evenings spent under the eaves of the teak roof, with Mekong breezes and the hum of scooters circling Nam Phou, fueled our vision.

 

We imagined sharing this space with others, a haven for home-cooked meals, lush gardens, and the pleasures of good living.

 

And so, our dream began to take shape. We enlisted craftsmen from Luang Prabang and our dear friend Pauline from Brittany to merge the old and the new. The kitchen became the heart of our project, where we crafted an authentic French artisan menu by hand. The garden transformed into a “secret garden,” perfect for intimate gatherings under a canopy of tropical flowers and starlit skies.

 

The downstairs salon, with its baroque details, and absinthe fountain, became a nod to exotic travels and serendipitous encounters.

 

Meanwhile, the upstairs teakwood interiors, with their warm patina and soaring ceilings, botanical murals reflected Luang Prabang’s natural beauty and serene spirit.

 

We named our creation Gaspard, meaning treasure. It is a fitting name for this extraordinary place—a house with a storied past that inspired a harmonious blend of humble comforts and refined pleasures, of two distinct yet complementary cultures.

 

Gaspard is more than a restaurant. It is an homage to this house, its history, our partnership, and the joy of uncovering life’s unexpected treasures.

 

— Toune & Rodolphe