Location: Crasville, Normandy Contracting authority: Baron & Baroness T'kint de Roodenbeke, owners Commission: Project design and management Commission: Creation of a garden Realization: 2000/2003

A XVIII th century pavilion, initial section of the never completed construction of a stately neo-classical château, is joined to a typical Cotentin manor dating back to the XV th/XVI th centuries. A rectangular space on two levels and enclosed by walls is dominated by the regular façade of this pavilion facing the sea and lends itself to the creation of a garden whose lines will be based on those of the façade. On the higher section alleys and lawns form a checkerboard flanked by two more private gardens. Box borders frame the flowerbeds. The lower section includes an orchard and a vegetable garden flanking a wide green carpet of lawn lined with beds of flowers for vases. The enclosing walls are lined with climbing plants or trained trees.

Several stages in the project design Before adopting the final design, several ideas had been developed et discussed with the owners and with the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (historical buildings architect) including circular convex/concave steps joining the two levels of the garden.

Useful information: a "Gîte de France" holiday accommodation is available close to the manor. Reservation: Mrs de Roodenbeke, Tel/Fax: (33). (0) 2.33.54.04.59