Russell firt visited Belle-Ille in the summer of 1886 and bought land surrounded by flat beetroot fields on the edge of the cliff above the inlet of Goulphar Creek on the west coast of the island. He designed the plans for his own house and studio, which were made of stone and not completed until the summer of 1888. Russell was thought to be English by the islanders and his house became known as 'Le Chateau de L'Anglais'. The house overlooked the Port Goulphar and the location provided Russell with a constant source of inspiration