Construction of the house XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Initial manor built in Thiré.
1985
Registration of the house
Registration of the house 1985 (≈ 1985)
Protection under Historic Monuments.
1986–2005
Creation of gardens
Creation of gardens 1986–2005 (≈ 1996)
Accommodation by William Christie, Arts & Crafts style.
2000–2004
Neo-Baroque decors
Neo-Baroque decors 2000–2004 (≈ 2002)
Interior paintings of the house.
2007
Registration of gardens
Registration of gardens 2007 (≈ 2007)
Protection extended to landscaped areas.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Le Logis Le Bâtiment (Case AD 54): registration by order of 9 December 1985 - The part of the gardens already existing, including the prospect up to the ridge, accompanying the house (see plan annexed to the decree) (cad. Thiré AD 10-12, 17, 18, 51, 54; YA 5, 6; Saint-Juire-Champgillon ZO 73 to 76, 130, 135, 155): registration by order of 21 June 2007
Key figures
William Christie - Owner and creator
Orchestra conductor, garden designer (1986–2005).
Origin and history
Le logis Le Bâtiment is a 17th-century mansion located in Thiré, Vendée (Pays de la Loire), partially spread over the neighbouring town of Saint-Juire-Champgillon. This historic monument, registered since 1985, is surrounded by the Gardens of William Christie, classified among the Remarkable Gardens of France. The estate combines a preserved architectural heritage and landscaped spaces designed as a total art work, inspired by manerist movements and Arts & Crafts.
The gardens, created between 1986 and 2005 by conductor William Christie, are organized into several thematic spaces: a high garden (geometric floor), a low garden (charmille and parterres), a secret garden nicknamed "the cloister", as well as a rose garden, a vegetable garden, and a water room. These developments extend beyond the Smagne Creek on the territory of Saint-Juire-Champgillon. Inside the house, neo-baroque painted decorations (2000–2004) complete this harmony between art, nature and history.
The estate, still owned by William Christie, is protected by two registration stops under the title of Historical Monuments: the house in 1985, and the gardens (including their perspective up to the ridge) in 2007. These protections highlight the heritage value of a collection of 17th century architectural heritage, contemporary creations, and an artistic approach to the landscape, reflecting the passion of its owner for baroque opera and decorative arts.
The official address of the site, 32 Rue du Bâtiment in Thiré, places the house in the heart of a rural area of Vendee, marked by a tradition of manor houses and leisure gardens. However, the accuracy of its geographical location is considered "fair" (note 5/10), suggesting limitations in the available cartographic data. The gardens, open to the public, are part of a dynamic of valuing living heritage, between conservation and innovation.
