In 1665, Louis XIV ordered Colbert to create royal stud farms in order to breed horses, until then imported, for his armies. It was not until 1715 that the first stud farm was built in the domain of Buisson d'Exmes, surrounded by quality Normandy meadows and nearby water. Louis XV perpetuated the work of the Sun King and bought nearly 2,718 acres (1,100 ha) of land. From 1715 to 1730, stables and a castle with French gardens in the tradition of Mansart and Le Nôtre emerged. The architecture was also inspired by the School of Versailles, whose methods were perpetuated until 1830.