Restored to its former glory while being enhanced by modern artworks and design, this chateau is an ode to the new classic. Interior architect Didier Benderli—founder of Kerylos Interieurs—explains to Sona Decor Singapore how he captured the property’s bygone beauty while adding a contemporary twist.
Living in a French chateau is a privilege reserved for only a few. For the owners of this particular one, it is a family tradition, and honoured as such.
Chateau’s location is a secret
The location of this exceptional 12,916 sq ft (1,200 sqm) property—including stables, additional houses on the estate, a pool house and a swimming pool—is kept secret for the owners’ privacy, while certainly contributing to its magic.
For that reason, you will not find any images of the façade in this article either.
Renovation Took 7 Years
The main building, which dates back to the 16th century, and the two wings, added in the 19th century, were recently restored with precision and respect for the past. The seven-year renovation was led by Didier Benderli, who preserved the architecture’s many historic features.
Didier Benderli, founder of Kerylos Interieurs
![kerylos-intccca7rieurs-chateau-copyright-d-delmas-42-751x1024-1 Didier Benderli, founder of Kerylos Interieurs.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/kerylos-intccca7rieurs-chateau-copyright-d-delmas-42-751x1024-1.jpg)
Renovation work must not be visible
“The work mustn’t be too visible; it has to be clear without it all feeling like a combination of formulas,” he says. “Where possible, I try not to hide the potential that the space gives me.”
Didier masters the art of playing with shapes and colours, combining different styles, objects and materials in an unexpected way. Old features, such as the woodwork, were preserved, while original parquet floors and fireplaces that had disappeared were replaced by elements and materials from the 17th and 18th centuries to recreate the identity of the chateau.
![3-789x1024-1 The central core of the 17th century staircase is in oak.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3-789x1024-1.jpg)
Some rooms redesigned
In contrast, some rooms fallen into disrepair were completely redesigned. For example, the contemporary kitchen combines wooden marquetry in French walnut with a La Cornue stove in stainless steel and a Calacatta marble sink.
Instead of keeping the 18th century furniture, the current, second-generation owners worked hand in hand with Didier to find the right nook for every piece of their 20th century collection, comprising pieces sourced at flea markets, auction rooms and antiques shops and galleries (including Galerie Blanchetti and Florence Lopez in Paris).
![1-2-738x1024-1 The original stone fireplace from the 17th century was created by Pierre de Bourgogne. On the right, a buffet by George Nakashima; sculptural lamp by Philippe Anthonioz; Egg chairs by Arne Jacobsen. On the left, a pair of AX chairs in laminated mahogany and leather by Peter Hvidt and wall light fixtures by Ignazio Gardella.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1-2-738x1024-1.jpg)
Checkerboard Hallway
Starting in the hallway, the checkerboard flooring and wall colours draw upon classical motifs and are the perfect backdrop for Italian mirrors from the 1980s; a 1957 buffet and a wooden bench by George Nakashima; a sculptural lamp by Philippe Anthonioz; an Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen; a pair of AX Peter Hvidt chairs; wall lights by Ignazio Gardella; and a floor lamp by Alvar Aalto.
![19-668x1024-1 The moody atmosphere in the hallway.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/19-668x1024-1.jpg)
The moody atmosphere in the hallway.
Every room has an identity
While every room has its own identity, all create a dialogue between the architecture and the furnishings and art, revisiting a form of classicism through a subtle mix of old and new.
In the living room, the woodwork was repainted grey to highlight its design. Both blue, a sofa with organic curves by Carlo de Carli and an armchair by Franco Albini share the space with the “Goutte d’eau” coffee table by Ado Chale; a buffet by Jean Prouve; a Bohlmarks floor lamp; an orange sofa by Finn Juhl and wooden shelves by Gio Ponti; among many other outstanding pieces from Italy and Scandinavia.
![4-1024x677-1 Sofa by Carlo de Carli (from antique dealer Florence Lopez); Franco Albini armchair.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/4-1024x677-1.jpg)
![8-659x1024-1 Orange sofa by Finn Juhl; floor lamp by Gino Sarfatti (Arteluce); wooden shelves by Gio Ponti; white rug by Didier Benderli for Kerylos Interieurs (Solstys collection).](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/8-659x1024-1.jpg)
Orange sofa by Finn Juhl; floor lamp by Gino Sarfatti (Arteluce); wooden shelves by Gio Ponti; white rug by Didier Benderli for Kerylos Interieurs (Solstys collection).
Suspension Spiral in aluminum, by Poul Henningsen; black marble and bronze table by Philippe Anthonioz; Gio Ponti walnut chairs; rug designed by Didier Benderli for Kerylos Interieurs (created for the Solstys collection).
![9-681x1024-1 Suspension Spiral in aluminum, by Poul Henningsen; black marble and bronze table by Philippe Anthonioz; Gio Ponti walnut chairs; rug designed by Didier Benderli for Kerylos Interieurs (created for the Solstys collection).](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9-681x1024-1.jpg)
Artworks in every room
Artworks also adorn every room.
Colourful paintings by Gaston Chaissac in the living room and library; photographs by Valerie Belin and Patrick Faigenbaum in the dining room displayed on the traditional green and gold panelling; a canvas by Pieter Schoolwerth in the piano room and a diptych by Lu Chao in one of the bedrooms are just some examples of the owners’ extensive art collection that underscores the property’s classical spirit in a modern way.
![25-696x1024-1 Every room reflects a sense of majesty and is adorned with a mix of vintage and contemporary design pieces.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/25-696x1024-1.jpg)
![27-683x1024-1 Every nook features art and design treasures.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/27-683x1024-1.jpg)
![31-677x1024-1 Ruche hanging light fixture by Alvar Aalto; sconces by Max Ingrand for FontanaArte; Krobo bench in rosewood by Torbjorn Afdal.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/31-677x1024-1.jpg)
![28-683x1024-1 In this bedroom, Didier Benderli chose blue as the guiding principle for the decor.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/28-683x1024-1.jpg)
An English Garden
The park outside, designed by the English landscape architect Russell Page, was restored according to its plans, and reinvented where the original design was unknown.
![36-902x1024-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/36-902x1024-1.jpg)
“I had long been fascinated by the level of accomplishment seen in the Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu-sur-mer (south of France),” says Didier. “Nothing was left to chance; each detail has its place, and it’s close to perfection.” It seems that here, the interior architect discovered how to apply the same principles.
Photos by Didier Delmas