Le Château de Thauvenay

“Our intention was to preserve the interior architecture and the many period details and ornamentations found here,” explains Jordan. During the two-year renovation of this sleeping beauty, the owner once again enlisted the help of his friend, architect Gilles Tombeur—who was also involved in the Riverside House project – to faithfully revive this aristocratic residence. This true work of craftsmanship was successfully completed thanks to artisans with ancestral skills and tools.

In the property’s forty rooms, the oak parquet and Burgundy stone floors have been revitalized. Each molding has been meticulously replicated, and the woodwork adorning the walls of the alcove library has been restored. This room, a favorite of the host, evokes the feeling of Captain Nemo’s quarters from ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.’

Jordan infuses a mid-century spirit into these spacious areas by taking a different approach from the traditionally decorated castles that resemble somewhat dull historical reconstructions. His wife, Tatiana Dupond, inspires this artistic direction, admiring the architectural achievements of the avant-garde 1920s and 30s. Milan’s Villa Necchi and Robert-Mallet Stevens’ modernist Villa Cavrois are just a few examples. ‘These places have been a precious guiding thread for the choice of colors, materials, and furniture, contributing to the careful and discreet elegance of the castle’s interior,’ the couple shares.

Together with his partner Emmanuel Diemoz – also the head of the design brand TOLIX – the entrepreneur furnishes the estate with reissues led by the brand. Like the T37 chair, initially designed in the 1930s, or a solid brass wall light reminiscent of a 1920s ship’s reading lamp. A decorative approach that bridges the gap between different eras and gives the property a timeless style.

Beyond the park of the castle with its centuries-old trees, its 25-meter long saltwater pool, sauna, and outdoor Nordic bath, the Centre-Val de Loire region is just waiting to be explored. Despite its renowned Sancerre wines, this part of central France is rarely crowded with tourists. It’s a green gem best discovered on foot, starting from the castle. Wander through the surrounding vineyards, get lost among them, and meet the vintners who warmly welcome visitors to their exclusive cellars.

The second part of the journey takes you to the Loire Canal. Whether on foot or by bike, follow it to the charming town of La Charité-sur-Loire and its Cluniac cathedral. This rural setting proves once again that France offers plenty of enchanting destinations to escape to, even just 200 km from Paris!