Château du Feÿ

efore becoming the stunning retreat it is today, Château du Feÿ boasts a rich and fascinating history. In the 16th century, Nicolas Hennequin, the first lord of Feÿ, built the original château on a plateau overlooking the Yonne Valley. Later, under Louis XIII, Nicolas de Baugy, a royal advisor, began constructing a second château in 1620, preserving parts of the initial structure. Saint Vincent de Paul also maintained close ties with the parish of Villecien, where he frequently preached, and with Isabelle du Feÿ, the estate’s administrator and a benefactor of religious missions.

In more recent history, the château became home to Marc Cherniavski and Anne Willan, both passionate about cooking. Marc collected antique cookbooks, while Anne, an author of over twenty culinary books, founded the École de la Varenne in 1978, honoring the chef François Pierre de la Varenne. In 1988, she expanded the school to the château, hosting cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and gourmet dinners, solidifying the château’s reputation until the couple relocated to California in 2007. In 2017, architect Jessica Flore Angel breathed new life into the estate, blending heritage with innovation. Guided by an ecological vision, she strives to preserve its cultural legacy while redefining the modern role of a château.

The renovation project, spearheaded by Jessica, draws on a variety of inspirations, resulting in a warm and inviting atmosphere within a truly unique setting. Inside the château, you’ll find 17th-century moldings paired with slightly kitschy wallpapers left behind by a former British owner. Meanwhile, the adjacent buildings—the farm and the cottage—offer contrasting styles: the farm exudes a rustic, welcoming vibe, while the cottage channels the charm of a countryside design hotel.

Each space in the château has been thoughtfully furnished with pieces sourced from auctions, local antique dealers, and even generous donations. Jessica’s dedication to creating a cozy, vintage ambiance ensures that the château’s grand volumes never feel cold. Custom curtains, crafted by an upholsterer, add a refined and comfortable touch, enhancing the space’s warmth. “The magic flows through every corner,” Jessica notes, “from rooms adorned with period moldings to gardens where the historical past seamlessly intertwines with modern aspirations.”

Created in 2020, the Feÿtopia community unites artists, entrepreneurs, academics, and activists to explore innovative ways of living and working. The château serves as a hub for artist residencies, collaborative workshops, and events like the multidisciplinary Feÿ Arts Festival, where contemporary art, gastronomy, architecture, and music come together. Each year, the festival welcomes around a hundred artists from across the globe, transforming the château into a vibrant cultural crossroads.

Through Feÿtopia and the initiatives led by Jessica Angel, Château du Feÿ has become a space for reflection on contemporary challenges, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Every event and visit contributes to the preservation of this historic site while fostering the regeneration of the surrounding region. “The Château du Feÿ is not just a place; it is an idea, a project, and a modern utopia grounded in reality.”