Normandy, France
Château des Deux Amants
Perched atop the heights of Amfreville-sous-les-Monts in Upper Normandy, just 100 km from Paris, the Château des Deux Amants is surrounded by a sprawling 4-hectare park, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Seine, Andelle valleys, and the Lake of the Two Lovers.
Conceptualised by Morteza Esmaili and co-founded and sponsored by Adrian & Anne Newstead, the revivification of the Château has brought forth a remarkable destination — a cultural centre, artist retreat and residence, salon art gallery, restaurant, Aboriginal art museum, music venue with an amphitheatre, and an event centre with colourful landscaped sculpture gardens.
The château in photographs
1 / 27The co-founders
Morteza Esmaili
Morteza Esmaili is a poet and an artist in his own right. Having owned and operated an Aboriginal art gallery in the heart of Paris for 15 years, he has now relocated, and expanded his repertoire to include everything encapsulated in his grand vision for the Château des Deux Amants. Morteza's expansive knowledge and adoration of Aboriginal and World art is almost superseded by his knack for hospitality — an expert in Iranian cuisine and a musical auteur, a stay in Esmaili's castle will prove unforgettable and delightful in equal measure.
Adrian & Anne Newstead
As co-founders of the Château des Deux Amants, Adrian and Anne Newstead have been instrumental in funding the project and overseeing its development, drawing on more than four decades of experience in the Aboriginal art market. Adrian and Anne have assisted in supplying the collection of artworks housed at the Aboriginal art museum and gallery, showcasing pieces that reflect the spirit and diversity of Aboriginal artists from Australia.
Legend of the Castle of Two Lovers
In a tragic love story, a Norman lord challenged his niece's suitor to carry her without resting to the mountaintop visible from the castle windows. Fuelled by love, the young man accepted and successfully reached the summit. However, exhaustion took its toll, and he passed away an hour later. Stricken with grief, the niece also passed away a few days later. In remorse, the uncle established the Priory of the Two Lovers on the mountain.
Read more about Adrian, Anne and the team on the About page.