Agnès b. Transforms Historic French Château into a Family Home and Creative Hub
Fashion designer Agnès Troublé, known as Agnès b., has meticulously curated her 18th-century French country house, Coeur-Volant, blending historical elements with contemporary art and personal touches.
Fashion designer Agnès b., born Agnès Troublé, has transformed a historic château near Versailles, originally built for Louis XIV, into a vibrant family residence and a source of creative inspiration.
Coeur-Volant, meaning ‘Flying Heart,’ was acquired by Troublé in 1996. The 18th-century property, initially commissioned by Louis XIV for his doctor, Guy-Crescent Fagon, has undergone subtle enhancements over centuries, including the addition of distinctive chimneys and wooden elements in the 19th century, and a salon and library a century later. Before Troublé's purchase, it was the home of French actress Danielle Darrieux.
Troublé, who was born in Versailles, discovered the château after seeing it advertised in a French newspaper. She describes a serendipitous journey to acquiring the property, involving a midnight visit to the then-empty house, a picnic by the Louis XIV fireplace, and a subsequent negotiation that led to the owner lowering the price upon learning of Troublé's intention to reside there with her family.
The house serves as a home for Troublé's extended family, which includes five children and 17 grandchildren. It also functions as a wellspring of inspiration for her fashion collections, with elements from the garden featured on her clothing.
Troublé emphasizes a personal connection to the design, stating, “The house is 100 per cent Agnès b. I chose everything, so it’s like an autobiography. There is a mix between my grandmother’s furniture and contemporary art. For me, the most important thing is quality.” The interior features a blend of rustic charm, such as cobwebs and louvred shutters, alongside contemporary art and classical French antique furniture.
Coeur-Volant houses Troublé's significant collection of contemporary art, with pieces by artists such as Cyprien Gaillard, Ben Vautier, and Sigurdur Arni Sigurdsson. The collection also includes notable works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Alexander Calder, some of which have been featured on her art-series T-shirts.
The designer frequently rotates the artwork, often lending pieces to museums. Despite the presence of valuable art, the château maintains a relaxed atmosphere, described by Troublé as "a place for singing, dancing and drinking." The family frequently celebrates holidays, including Christmas, at Coeur-Volant.