TOP INTERIOR DESIGNER PIERRE SAUVAGE WITH FRIEND SABINE VAN VLAENDEREN WELCOMES US INTO HIS COLOURFUL CHATEAU IN NORMANDY

Sabine, who met the designer 15 years ago, says she’s a big fan of his “creativity and can-do approach”, of which his château is a perfect example. Pierre, how old is Château d’Amilly? “The original building dates back to the 15th century, and a tower still remains, but most of the château was destroyed during the French Revolution.

- CRISTINA LORA ALARCON

“It was reconstructed around 1840, and we believe that the park, with its oak and cedar trees, was probably planted at the same time.” When you acquired the house in 2014, it was in ruins. Restoring it must have been quite a challenge… “Yes. It took about six years, because everything had to be redone, including the roofs and facade. As for the grounds, they’d been divided in two.

“So I bought both parts and we stitched them back together, respecting the original paths.

“I had the help of decorator Franz Potisek, a friend who has worked on my Casa Lopez shops, and also of landscape gardener Louis Benech.” Speaking of the grounds, it’s clear that you’re a real animal lover. You have horses, sheep, chickens, swans and even two rescue donkeys here… “I do; I’ve tried to make this the best possible home for them too!” Then there’s an orchard full of pear, peach, almond, cherry and quince trees… “Yes, and we’ve put the swimming pool there. It’s where we have lunch when the weather is nice.” Let’s turn to the interiors. What did you aim for with the decor? “It expresses my obsession with comfort, and I’ve tried to make sure that everything looks as comfortable as it actually is.