Not far from the Fontainebleau forest, in the Seine-et-Marne department of France, lies a country property so charming and picturesque yet sophisticated, it seems like something dreamed up by a Hollywood set designer. Composed of several buildings around a courtyard with two huge, historic linden trees growing in the middle, the property is home to sheep, chickens, dogs, cats, horses, and two miniature donkeys—there are even beehives. Welcome to the residence and atelier of French designer Eric Schmitt and his lifelong partner, Alexandra Babeanu, who goes by Sandra.
Though probably best known for his sleek furniture designs (represented by Ralph Pucci International, Carpenters Workshop Gallery, and others), Schmitt is always creating and exploring. Self-taught, he continues in a long tradition of French decorative artists working in everything from bronze to glass, carpets, ceramics, and other materials.
According to the historical record, the property in question, known as Le Chapitre, dates back to the 12th century, when the land belonged to Notre-Dame de Paris, which rented it to tenant farmers and collected tithe payments—mainly wheat—from them. The original structures reportedly burned down in the 16th century and were later rebuilt. Its current appearance represents centuries of repairs and improvements. “At the end of the 17th century, I think, it then became a manor for a prominent family,” Schmitt reports. “The property is actually quite well-known around here, and is only about an hour from Paris.” Despite that proximity, it feels like a world apart—not only for the bucolic setting but also for the creative interventions Schmitt and Babeanu have introduced since purchasing it six years ago.
The couple was already well set up in the next village over. But they used to pass by this property—and wonder about it—on their drives around the area. “This place is a bit mythic around here,” he says. When it first came up for sale several years ago, it was too expensive and they didn’t even go to see it. When they heard that it hadn’t sold, they went to take a look and decided it was exactly what they needed. “We wanted a new project,” Schmitt recalls. “We could bring our horses here and build a bigger studio and have everything in one place.”