The Haras de l’Ermitage is situated near Argentan, 180 km west of Paris, set within the heart of France’s race horse breeding country. In 1990 a Japanese client, bought this existing stud farm, with the intent to renovate and create new amenities to make it into an exceptional property. He wanted to create a spectacular venue both for his corporate and personal needs. Owner of an exceptional collection of impressionist works and modern sculptures, he wanted to exhibit those works on the future golf course, gardens, and within the buildings, so that his passion and love for the arts could be shared with others.

This property was to consist of an excellent breeding stud farm with all equestrian facilities including 46 boxes and foaling boxes and indoor arenas. A luxurious manor house complete with outbuildings, courtyards, a swimming pool with sauna, tennis courts, a championship nine hole golf course, a farm, landscaped gardens and a heliport over 115 hectares. Many very important works of art adorned the golf course, by such artists as Miro, Picasso, and Cesar and we had the privilege to work in conjunction with the artists specialized teams in their placement, lighting and integration.

Due to the complexity of the works and the very tight construction schedule, Fromanger & Adam acted both as architects, landscape architects, golf course architects and general contractors. This project was our first major design/build project. In hindsight this was truly an amazing and exceptional project that very few architects could ever experience.