What does the old estate of designer Pierre Jovanovic look like
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05 Mar 2023
It took architect Pierre Jovanovic four years to resurrect a 17th-century French estate from the ruins. But now for its owners, the expression "my house is my fortress" has the most direct meaning
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@pierre.yovanovitch
All real castles are a bit fabulous. Architect Pierre Yovanovitch experienced this for himself in 2009, when he first succumbed to the charms of the Fabreg estate. By that time, the castle, hidden from the world by lush vegetation, almost forgotten, had been repelling the attacks of time for four centuries. "It was an incredible meeting. It's like I got a pass to an old fairy tale. The house chose me. I realized this as soon as I saw it, although it was practically in ruins," says the architect.
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@pierre.yovanovitch
Four years of colossal construction seemed like it could break the spell. Fortunately, this did not happen. Today, the square building, topped with four towers, is the quintessence of the very idea of the castle. Its high walls are simply designed for shadows from Cocteau's films or Delannois' "Eternal Return" to slide over them. "We managed to find builders, bricklayers and cabinetmakers who can work miracles," says Pierre. In addition, the new owner of the castle vigilantly ensured that the spirit of the place did not disappear along with the construction debris.
Living room. Sofas designed by Pierre Jovanovich stand by the fireplace, decorated with plaster stucco. A table made of light oak, designed by Terence Harold Robson-Gibbings (1949). Carpet, Holland & Sherry. Chairs, designed by Otto Schultz (1940). Lamps (1950) and canapes (1931) — design by Axel Einar Hjort. Low table, Silas Seandel (1970). On the wall is the work of Francesco Clemente.
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
The house, built of limestone, without a foundation, has undergone a thorough reconstruction. Beams and ceilings were reinforced, moved, partially replaced. In the dining room, the seemingly irretrievably lost caissons were restored. The wooden beams in the hall were reinforced and plastered. So they look more massive — to match the stone doorways, and at the same time merge with the painted walls and do not distract attention from the cheerful ghost — a ceramic figurine nailed to the wall.
Canteen. The pattern on the floor of two types of marble echoes the pattern of the restored ceiling caissons. Chandelier with brass snowflakes, designed by Paavo Tunella (1948). Dining set, designed by Kristen Emanuel Ker Monberg (1923). On the wall is the work of Stefan Balkenhol.
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
"Initially, any castle is devoid of decorations — this became my reference point"
Hall. The original stone floors, stairs and portals have been carefully restored. Above the bench made of pine and cast iron, designed by Folke Bensou (1923), is the work of Richard Nonas. On an oak pedestal is a cast—iron vase, Kramer Brothers Foundry. On the wall by the stairs is a ceramic sculpture by Michel Guer (2009).
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
While decorating the interiors, Jovanovich abandoned the idea of historical reconstruction. Mixing Scandinavian traditions and the ascetic character of the houses of the French province of Var, he invented the story of a family that could live here for many years. Simple and dignified.
There is a lot of natural stone in the decoration, but carpets made of linen, hemp and cotton, furniture made of oak, walnut and mahogany make the brutal interior warm. The furniture of famous designers of the 1940s is combined with objects made according to sketches by Jovanovich.
Kitchen. In the center of the composition is a polygonal table made of larch by Pierre-El Brie. Chairs, designed by Axel Einar Hjort (1930). Hely pendant lights made of steel and glass, designed by Katriina Nuutinen (Maria Wettergren Gallery). The floor is lined with Jurassic marble.
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
The owner was vigilant to ensure that the spirit of the place did not disappear along with the construction debris
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
"Initially, any castle is simple, almost devoid of decorations, and this became my reference point," the architect concludes. — Without abandoning the plaster stucco in the decoration of fireplaces, I interpreted the space in a modern way. It's like I've made a remake of an old movie in which the past becomes the present. Everything is in its place here, and only time is slipping away, calmly counting down the seconds."
Bedroom. The bed is made of solid oak and the lamps fixed on the headboard are made according to the sketches of Pierre Jovanovich and Pierre-El Brie. Linen linen and cashmere plaid, Esensualliving. Pillows from Peter Fasano, Twill Textiles and Glant Textiles. At the foot is a wooden bench, XIX century. Floor lamp, designed by Gabriella Crespi, Italy (1960). Carpet made of natural linen, Ateliers Pinton.
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
Rough wood and natural fabrics emphasize the feudal character of the room
Bathroom. At the request of the owner, the walls, floor, wide window sills, benches and even radiator screens are made of Jurassic marble. Oak stool, designed by Karl Malmsten, Sweden (1953).
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
The solid stone finish makes the house powerful and impregnable not only from the inside, but also from the outside
Fabreg Castle is surrounded by a huge park designed by the famous landscape designer Louis Benes. The corner towers symbolize the four seasons. This is reflected in the color of the glass tiles with which the roofs are lined. The pool is paved with natural stone.
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
