This apartment in the estate will make you fall in love with the French countryside.

David Jimenez, a renowned interior designer, fondly recalls his romantic apartment in the countryside. "As soon as I started walking up the driveway to this majestic mansion with its towers and classical architectural harmony, I fell in love with France all over again," he shares. Having moved to Paris six years ago from New York, Jimenez began his search for a stylish country house for weekends. His criteria were clear: a residence that could boast a long history, with beautiful architecture, and located no more than an hour's drive from the capital. He also needed secluded areas with fields and forests where he could enjoy long walks accompanied by the songs of birds.

The search lasted two years, but in the end, he found the perfect place — a spacious eight-room private apartment in an old mansion located on the picturesque grounds of a 16th-century dramatic Château. This elegant secluded corner is situated near the charming village of Sentigny, just an hour's train ride from Paris and half an hour from Chantilly. The estate is surrounded by ancient oaks, fragrant pines, and open fields. Every morning, he is greeted by sparrows and larks. There is a special silence that reigns in this place. The surrounding forests of medieval Compiègne stretch out, where kings and their retinues once hunted, and where pilgrims traveled from Paris to the holy springs in Sentigny. The history of this place can be felt in every corner, whispering through the intertwining river that flows through its grounds, inspiring Jimenez with thoughts of interior design.

“When creating the apartment, I was inspired by classic French decorators,” he says. “I studied the works of Henri Samuel and how he organized receptions. I explored his floor plans, his approach to creating multifunctional and elegant spaces. This became my goal.” The space on the second floor features graceful symmetry and parquet floors.

On Saturdays, he raced along secluded roads on his scooter, searching for both works of art and antiques. He managed to find many interesting places in the nearby villages of Verberie and Pierrefonds, in shops "that thrilled me, where everywhere I looked, there was something that touched my heart," he recalls. Gradually, his apartment began to fill with bronze chandeliers and angled mirrors found at sales, as well as a draped table and a set of bright blue leather chairs from a small shop at the foot of Château de Pierrefonds. "The shop owners noticed my interest and appreciated it, and many of these conversations turned into strong friendships." The friendliness of the locals also led Jimenez to meet local craftsmen. One insightful antique dealer recommended an upholsterer; a master of luxury curtain sewing suggested the best electrician; his technical expert knew an artist who did magnificent gilding.

The apartment reflects a similar preparation, especially in the living room, where Jimenez placed a daybed upholstered in a checkered pattern in the center of the room in front of the fireplace. "I could easily put two chairs there, but then their backs would be to the fireplace — I like using a daybed because it invites conversation without blocking the view," says the designer, adding stools to the room as extra seating. "Two Louis XVI-style chairs positioned next to the tapestry have a strong presence. They can be moved into any group for conversation." From the tall windows of the living room, Jimenez can admire the apple orchards and forest clearings filled with ferns. He hears the distant sounds of horses on the castle grounds, as well as a beautiful symphony of birds. "It fits so well with nature," notes Jimenez. "There is a sense of calm, joy, and well-being that comes from being in nature."

Additional projects by Jimenez can be found in his new publication "Parisian by Design" (Rizzoli, 2022) authored by Dianna Dorrance Saxe. Interiors like those of Jimenez symbolize an amazing blend of historical craftsmanship and modern design, which rightfully takes pride in its place in the world.