Les Fontaines: The “Ferme Normande”
The Farm was built in the spirit of Deauville, a very popular seaside resort at the time, hence its name of “Ferme Normande”. It is also reminiscent of the Chantilly Hamlet or of the Queen’s Hamlet in Versailles.
Architecturally, we note the use of half-timbering and bricks and an alternation of white stones and checkered bricks on the western facade. Two small figures (a flautist and a violinist) show the Baroness’s taste for arts and music in particular.
The Baroness was very involved in local life: creating schools, libraries and hospitals in Gouvieux and Berck-sur-Mer. During World War I, she invested time and money for the wounded. She died in 1931.
She bequeathed the Les Fontaines site to her son, Henri, doctor and playwright, who preferred to settle in Paris and only occasionally came to the Domain.
