At Home in Provence with Recipes and Stories a Book by Jeany Cronk

When I met Jeany Cronk 11 years ago, she had embraced the lifestyle described in her book, At Home in Provence. The title reflects her journey of settling into life in Cotignac, a rural village in the Var, with a young family. Transitioning to this new lifestyle was not without challenges for Jeany and Stephen Cronk. However, they were focused on their vision of producing quality rosé in the South of France. At Home in Provence: Recipes and Stories from Life in the South of France is a charming collection that weaves together personal anecdotes, serendipitous encounters, and a variety of Provençal-themed recipes that you will want to try.

About the Author

Jeany Cronk and her husband, Stephen, co-founded the esteemed rosé wine company Maison Mirabeau in 2010 after relocating from London to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence with their three children. Over 15 years, the Cronks faced initial challenges but persevered with unwavering determination, ultimately achieving remarkable success in the wine industry. Jeany embraced the Provençal way of life, mastering the French language and excelling in both winemaking and interior design.

Jeany’s latest endeavour involves the careful restoration of a 19th-century Bastide, transforming it into a vibrant hub for celebrating the region’s rich culinary heritage. She has established herself as a prominent figure in regional wine marketing and is recognized worldwide as one of the top 100 influential winemakers for her innovative contributions to the industry. Her work has garnered attention from several prestigious magazines. In addition to her business skills, Jeany is committed to advancing regenerative farming practices, highlighting her dedication to sustainability within the wine sector.

Book Review

At Home in Provence: Recipes and Stories from Life in the South of France is organized into four main sections: Les Vignes (The Vines), Le Village (The Village), La Côte (The Coast), and La Ville (The Town). In each section, Jeany shares personal stories, cultural insights, and regional recipes.

In the introduction, Jeany describes her family’s relocation to Cotignac, a small village in southern France. She acknowledges that moving from London’s southwest to rural Provence was unusual for a British family. Cotignac wasn’t their first choice for a new home. Now, it seems unlikely that they will ever leave.

“Over the years in Cotignac and beyond, we’ve been blessed to meet so many interesting people who have come here to live or visit from all over the world with their own ideas and life projects.”

At Home in Provence is beautifully presented, featuring breathtaking photos of the region and its cuisine. Jeanny credits her friend, stylist, and co-author Frankie Unsworth, for inspiring the book’s creation and overseeing its visual design. The stunning photography by Lizzie Mason enriches the book, providing a visual delight for readers.

The book contains detailed descriptions of the area and insights into how the Cronk family adapted to their new home. Their journey faced obstacles, including finding a suitable house for their family of five. Ultimately, they decided to build their own home, a Bastide (country house). Readers who have undertaken construction projects can relate to the difficulties they encountered along the way. Today, the Cronks enjoy a beautiful home where sharing meals with family and friends is a true delight. Jeany also offers tips on table settings and emphasizes the importance of shopping locally for seasonal produce.

Throughout At Home in Provence are short essays by individuals the Cronks have met during their time in Cotignac. These friends have interests that vary from exploring brocantes (antique markets) to visiting contemporary art galleries. These vignettes offer fascinating insights into how deeply rooted Jeany and her family have become in the region.

Who Should Buy At Home in Provence?

From the charming alleys of Cotignac to the sandy beaches of stylish St. Tropez, from shopping in cosmopolitan Aix-en-Provence to tending their biodynamic vineyard, Domaine Mirabeau, the title of the book encapsulates it all: the Cronks are truly “At Home in Provence.” This book is a treasure for readers interested in food, culture, and the enchantment of Provence.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).