The Estate

The long creation of an entity

« It was a sunny winter day in 1960, and I was sitting on an old wall in a place called “Les Treilles”… By my side, Pierre Barbe, as surprised as I was, was enjoying the discovery of the countryside that surrounded us. What were we doing in this end-of-the-world landscape, linked to Tourtour only by small paths used by shepherds and their sheep ? Shades of blue were spreading out to the horizon… Abandoned walls and olive trees were emerging from a bushy vegetation. » (Anne Gruner Schlumberger)

Mastering this vast expanse of land, a mix of wild forests and maquis, was a serious challenge.

« Seduced by the idea, Pierre Barbe chose to develop the project in areas where old houses still stood, where a simple architecture would suit, with an exterior and interior harmony linking each house to the others. Henri Fisch was narrowly associated to the project, and his plantations preceded and accompanied the building of the domaine. His vision of the future created today’s landscape. » (Anne Gruner Schlumberger)

Spread from the 1960s to the 1980s, the work was carried out in four stages and three levels of intervention by the project manager, ranging from the renovation of old houses or the recovery of a pre-existing basement, to the complete creation ex-nihilo.

The landscapes and architecture were, as time went by, further enriched by works of art, most notably sculptures, commissioned by Anne Gruner Schlumberger to various artist friends of hers such as Max Ernst, Henri Laurens, François-Xavier Lalanne, Yassilakis Takis… thus creating an entity which was added to the French historical monuments additional registry in 2009.

Reality of a dream in which Anne Gruner Schlumberger saw « a writer, a philosopher, a geologist, each working on his piece and contributing with their creative minds without barriers or boundaries », the Domaine des Treilles is still today a privileged place for reflection, encounters and exchanges.

Operating teams

Twenty-seven people, divided into nine teams in Tourtour and Paris, ensure the maintenance and operation of the premises:

• Administration and Accounting
• Library and heritage conservation
• Organization and hosting of activities
• Communication
• Catering
• Maintenance
• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Housekeeping and caretaking

All development works and maintenance of the estate are done in tandem with professionals : architects, landscapers…

Places

Agricultural plots, forests and natural areas

It includes agricultural plots (vines, olive trees, lavender) and spacious areas of natural land with a great variety of local flora and woodland. The hilly terrain is ideal for walks. Paths meandering through the property are particularly suited for reflection.

The guests’ activities are centered around the “Grande Maison” which holds the conference room, the library, the kitchen and the dining area. Broadband Internet access and WiFi are available there.

During spring and autumn temperatures can be rather fresh in the evenings, whereas on hot summer days three swimming pools provide a welcome source of refreshment. The latters also serve as a water reservoir for the fire-fighting vehicles of the estate.