A porphyry bowl stands in the entrance hall.
Fresh off the presses is Spanish interior designer Jacques Garcia’s second monograph, Jacques Garcia: Twenty Years of Passion, featuring his beloved Château du Champ de Bataille, a 17th-century estate in Normandy. Garcia purchased the property twenty years ago, then in derelict state, and has worked tirelessly since restoring and furnishing every glorious inch to sublime delight. Four-hundred sumptuous pages will take you on a grand tour of its ninety-four acres spotted with formal gardens, water features, lakes and architectural follies, and in to its magnificent interiors furnished with rare antiques and porcelains, sculpture, art and personal collections. If not for this labor of love Jacques’ château could quite possibly be but a remembrance of things past.
A celebratory spirit enlivens one of several fountains and lakes on Garcia’s ninety-four acre property.
Garcia spent ten years working on the glorious Apollo Salon, restoring the ca. 1650 ceiling and filling the space with Louis XV period furniture and antiques.
Garcia created a cabinet of curiosities in the manner of grand European country houses.
Garcia recreated the château’s original neoclassical style, adding elements such as this antique Roman bust.
The pretty and elegantly appointed private dining room features pink-and-gilt console tables by George Jacob and a “Roses and Myrtle” Sèvres dinner service commissioned by Louis XV for Mme. du Barry.
Garcia designed a vaulted ceiling and furnished the lower level of the two-tier Consulate-style library with large reading tables stamped Jacob Desmalter.
The armory houses Garcia’s collection of antique arms and armor. Decorated in a 19th-century style it is used as a gathering place in the winter.
Garcia collaborated with landscape designer Patrick Pottier on the restoration and design of the grounds.
To see more of this remarkable château you can buy Jacques Garcia: Twenty Years of Passion here. Photography by Eric Sander.
This is one of the homes where I could wander the halls forever and gaze at the interesting pieces forever.
Incredible….thank you for such a great and beautiful post.
Victoria