Majestically overlooking the luxuriant landscape of Normandy, the Château du Champ de Bataille-owned by Jacques Garcia-is a gem of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French architecture, furniture, and garden design. Built by Count Alexandre de Créqui between 1653 and 1665, this sumptuous château was acquired by Jacques Garcia thirty years ago. He lovingly restored the property, then in a state of disrepair, to its former splendor and made it his home. The exquisite rooms of the château showcase an admirable collection of paintings, sculptures, porcelain, silverware, and furniture, with many pieces originating from the royal collections of the Ancien Régime. The vast and magnificent gardens extend over more than 111 acres (45 hectares). The French Garden, which reigns supreme in the heart of the estate, was recreated based on a drawing by André Le Nôtre. On both sides of the central axis, the exotic inspirations so prized in eighteenth-century aesthetics invite visitors on a journey to distant lands and vanished civilizations. The Egyptian and Anglo-Indian Gardens, the Grotto of Cybele, and the ancient theater surprise and enchant all those who venture down the paths of the estate. Below, tucked away from prying eyes, lies the secret Pavilion of Dreams, imagined and built entirely by Jacques Garcia from authentic ruins-a veritable ode to the Mogul India he cherishes. This beautifully illustrated volume will be a true source of inspiration for all those who have a passion for interior decoration, the principles of restoration, and the art of landscaping.
