Jan de Luz is an author and importer of antique French architectural elements with locations in Carmel Valley, downtown Carmel, Saint Helena and Los Angeles. Born in the Basque region of Southwestern France he learned pride in craftsmanship by apprenticing with a fine cabinetmaker. When his artistic eye led him to discover an ancient Basque handloom--he researched and learned what was required to recreate wonderful old textures--then became absorbed in other lost Basque arts--eventually opening a chain of French retail stores to offer fine quality natural-fiber linens produced in his workshop.
He advocated for the first éco-musée in Saint Jean de Luz, France, to preserve and celebrate French Basque country culture and craft. Other museums adopted this focus on artisanal aspects of culture. Today, there are dozens of éco-musées throughout France representing finely crafted bread making, chocolates, paper and perfumes. In a logical next step, he began rescuing fine architectural pieces. In 1996, he and his family moved to California where his stores offer antique furnishing, architectural elements, linens and other quality products that reflect the 'patina of time and substance of history' to bring rich dimensions to living and spaces.
De Luz counts family, history, culture, beauty, quality, and individuality as everything~and lives on the Central Coast of California, with his wife, Brigitte, two daughters, and son, Olivier.
Many in Northern California share De Luz's artisanal philosophy that pervades coastal France, Italy and Spain. De Luz stores are a natural fit here and a delight to visit.
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