IF POETRY TOOK SHAPE

Dominique recounts the experience of devising the interiors of nearly 10,000 sq ft castle, Château de Mille in Provence that dates to the 13th Century

- DOMINIQUE JEAN-LAVABRE

If an epopee is an adventure where dreams come true, then the restoration of Château de Mille became the Provence lepopee of the French-American couple Constance and Lawrence Slaughter. Married for over 30 years, parents to three boys who were raised in London, Constance is a French artist and Lawrence is an American working in finance. Finding a winery in Mille allowed them to embark on an adventure that is professional and personal. The rebirth of the castle and its prime vineyard is the fruit of passion and a tremendous work of adaptation and modernisation. It has mobilised an extraordinary collection of talents under the vision of the architect Alexandre Lafourcade who specialises in complex heritage building renovations for more than 30 years.

Handling the interior design of such a beautiful heritage place and mixing the remains of a mediaeval donjon dating back to the 13th century, a pure renaissance courtyard from the 16th century and a large mansion from the 18th century, was an intimidating challenge for me. After a briefing with my clients, my work starts with an exchange of words. I put down in writing my vision of the project, with no visuals at the initial stage to leave room for possibilities. Images can be often too reductive.