In the heart of France, along the banks of the Aigre River, stands the 16th-century Château du Jonchet, a sprawling manor that has been a sanctuary for couturier Hubert de Givenchy since the 1970s. This historic estate, surrounded by a moat and featuring four towers, offers a glimpse into the designer’s life and his distinctive approach to country living.
De Givenchy’s Le Jonchet is more than just a grand residence; it is a testament to his ability to blend the old with the new, creating spaces that are both intimate and inviting. The manor serves as a retreat from his formal Parisian apartment, filled with rare 17th- and 18th-century antiques, and offers a place to unwind and sketch, sit by the fire, or walk in the garden with his dogs.
Le Jonchet: A Place of Simplicity and Elegance
For de Givenchy, simplicity is key. ‘Some weekends I never even go into the village,’ he shares. The manor, with its four towers, might seem anything but simple to most, but for the designer, it is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The manor’s bedrooms are decorated in a traditional manner, with bolts of fresh cotton adorning walls, chairs, and beds. This lavish use of one pattern is a family custom that de Givenchy has carried into his own home. ‘My mother and my aunt always decorated their bedrooms this way, and because I was happy in those rooms, I repeat the custom here,’ he explains.
In contrast, the salon is a study in minimalism. De Givenchy finds comfort in the absence of pattern and color, creating a soothing environment for his guests. ‘But one doesn’t need the same intimacy in a salon,’ he notes. The salon’s simple white linen covers and sisal carpets, along with sculptural furnishings like the Giacometti table, create a space that is both elegant and inviting.
Attention to Detail and Personal Touches
De Givenchy’s attention to detail is evident throughout the manor. In the salon, he puts out new books on the Giacometti table every week. ‘In the country, it is very important to have plenty of books, pillows, and blankets,’ he says. These personal touches make the manor feel like a true home, rather than just a showpiece.
One of the most striking features of the manor is the lantern hanging above the stairway. This plaster maquette was made by Diego Giacometti for de Givenchy. The artist was working on lanterns for the Picasso Museum when de Givenchy asked him to create something similar for his home. Tragically, Giacometti passed away before he could cast the lantern in bronze, so de Givenchy hung the maquette in his memory.
The manor’s guest rooms are designed with comfort in mind. De Givenchy’s first sheet collection, inspired by an antique damask and the opera Manon Lescaut, premiered this spring. These sheets, along with the use of one fabric for everything from chairs to bed hangings to curtains, create a cohesive and inviting space for guests.
A Legacy of Design and Comfort
De Givenchy’s Le Jonchet is more than just a country retreat; it is a reflection of his design philosophy and his commitment to creating spaces that are both beautiful and comfortable. From the traditional bedrooms to the minimalist salon, every detail has been carefully considered to create a home that is as inviting as it is elegant.
For those lucky enough to be invited, a stay at Le Jonchet is an experience to remember. De Givenchy’s attention to detail and his commitment to comfort ensure that guests feel at home. ‘I know when friends come to visit, they will be comfortable,’ he says, and it is clear that this is a promise he takes seriously.
Le Jonchet stands as a testament to Hubert de Givenchy’s timeless style and his ability to create spaces that are both beautiful and inviting. It is a place where tradition meets contemporary comfort, and where every detail has been carefully considered to create a home that is as elegant as it is welcoming.
