Fashion designer Agnès Troublé, widely recognized by her mononym Agnès b., has transformed a historic French château, Coeur-Volant, into a lively family residence that also serves as a source of inspiration for her collections. The property, originally commissioned by Louis XIV in the early 1700s, was acquired by Troublé in 1996 and is now a hub for her extended family, which includes five children and 17 grandchildren.
Coeur-Volant, meaning 'Flying Heart,' was built in 1710 and was initially gifted to Louis XIV's physician, Guy-Crescent Fagon. Architectural additions, including distinctive chimneys and wooden elements, were made a century later, with a salon and library added nearly a hundred years after that. The château, located near the Palace of Versailles, was previously owned by the actress Danielle Darrieux before Troublé purchased it.
Troublé, who was born in Versailles, discovered the château through an advertisement in the French newspaper Figaro. After a months-long period of consideration, she visited the property with a friend, entering by climbing over the wall. They lit a fire in the original Louis XIV fireplace and had a picnic. The following week, she met with the seller, who agreed to lower the price upon learning of Troublé's intention to live there with her family.
The interior of Coeur-Volant reflects Troublé's personal narrative, described as '100 percent Agnès b.' The space features a blend of her grandmother's furniture and contemporary art, with an emphasis on quality. Troublé has designed the kitchen herself, incorporating an 18th-century table purchased from a flea market and cupboards painted in a distinctive blue reminiscent of Essaouira, Morocco, complemented by tiles from Carrelages du Marais in Paris.
Throughout the house, Troublé displays her extensive collection of contemporary art, including works by artists such as Cyprien Gaillard, Ben Vautier, and Sigurdur Arni Sigurdsson. The entrance hall showcases her vintage dishware collection stored in an antique armoire, while the laundry room features artwork by Ben Vautier. The music room highlights a piano with multicoloured curtains made in India.
The dining room features a column and furniture that are architectural salvage from Afghanistan. It also displays a Jean-Michel Basquiat artwork, one of the first pieces Troublé acquired from the late artist in the 1980s. Despite the presence of antique furnishings and valuable art, Coeur-Volant maintains a relaxed atmosphere, often filled with open wine bottles and cigarette smoke, reflecting Troublé's philosophy of the house being a place for 'singing, dancing and drinking,' particularly during family celebrations like Christmas.
Coeur-Volant serves as both a personal sanctuary and a creative wellspring for Agnès b. The garden has been a backdrop for photography sessions, with prints from the location appearing on her clothing designs. The designer frequently lends pieces from her extensive art collection to museums worldwide. Her art series of T-shirts has featured works by Gilbert & George and Dash Snow, reflecting her broad engagement with the art world through her galleries and retail stores.