Le Prieure de Vauboin

Nestled between two valleys in the Sarthe region of France, Le Prieure de Vauboin was originally built by monks in the 12th century. In 1991, it became home to Thierry Juge who has created two distinct gardens around the old house. Inspired by the medieval history of the site, Thierry decided to design the first garden as a closed garden or 'Hortus Conclusus', divided into 4 different spaces surrounded by walls of chestnut logs. An orchard of cherry trees and a potager were planted on the Eastern side of the house, whilst a cloister and maze were created on the Western side, linked by a stream which runs around the house. In early Spring, when the prospect of a frost is still likely after a clear night, the blossom of the cherry trees seems to be floating above the ground and echoes the whiteness of the nearby field. Following the creation of this medieval garden, Thierry turned his attention to the hill which overlooks le Prieure. Under the canopy of mature trees, it was densely filled with wild box which had grown into an array of intriguing shapes. He fell in love with these green living sculptures and decided to carve out a second garden from this wilderness. This garden is perpetually evolving as each shrub is clipped according to Thierry's imaginings.