De tout temps, et c’est encore vrai, posséder une propriété au VESINET, était le symbole d’une réussite matérielle avérée et d’un certain art de vivre élitiste ; pour y adhérer, il fallait se distinguer en édifiant des constructions parfois extravagantes, surtout vers cette fin du XIXème où ont proliféré des architectures « seigneuriales », qu’elles soient Renaissance, Baroque ou Louis XVI… en les adaptant aux proportions plus modestes d’une villa ou d’un castel ; à l’époque, on les trouvait, d’une façon surprenante, « dénuées de fantaisie », alors qu’à présent ces propriétés nous attendrissent plutôt par leurs excès architecturaux et décoratifs.

Cette demeure vésigondine est, dans cet esprit, l’une des plus en-vue et des plus caractéristiques, avec sa façade gothique-flamboyant-polychrome.

Edifiée en 1883 par l’architecte Edouard Baume, c’est une construction en brique et moellon regroupant, sur rue, tous les éléments d’un décor théâtrale des plus réussis avec ses ouvertures en arc brisé, ses larmiers au-dessus des baies et, surtout, ses fleurons, culots et crochets feuillagés sublimés par la frise en carreaux de faïence indispensable aux exigences gothiques de l’époque.

Owning property in le Vésinet has always been a symbol of prestige and exclusivity. Often extravagant properties were commissioned by people wishing to differentiate themselves, particularly towards the end of the 19th century when there was a proliferation of architecture fit for nobility, in Renaissance, Baroque or Louis XV styles... adapted to the dimensions of a villa or small château. At the time they were considered lacking in imagination while today their architectural and decorative excesses are often thought charming.

This particular Vésinet property is one of the most noticeable and characteristic of its type with a polychrome late Gothic-style façade. Built in 1883 by architect Edouard Baume, it is a brick and quarry stone construction uniting all the elements of a most successful theatrical decor to the front with triangular arch windows, hood moulds over the bay windows and particularly its borders, culots and leaf-motif hangers, the porcelain tiled panels which lend the property its Gothic credentials.

The current owners, though fond of contemporary and 'loft' style projects, were immediately captivated by the property and wished to breathe new life into this architectural treasure. First, they brought harmony to the exterior by recreating an aesthetic perspective to the rear of the building. In order to add a bright contemporary light look to this creation, they had two impressive glass conservatories fitted: one extending the living room into the greenery of the garden, with multiple openings and a fireplace…and the other enlarging the kitchen into an exquisitely refined, family dining room.

During the two years when work was taking place, the interiors were also completely refurbished. With the assistance of an artist from the famous Ecole Boulle, the numerous friezes and cornicing were restored and improved and many frescos and murals were created, imparting an almost dreamlike and lyrical atmosphere in yellow and green tones throughout.

The main property is around 300m2 and naturally for one family, but there are additional buildings and areas offering a more interesting configuration than other properties of a similar surface area. It is in perfect condition throughout and the entirety of the parquet flooring has been restored to an exemplary standard.

The slightly elevated ground floor is accessed through a small 'Sleeping Beauty' tower, the period tiling of which has been avidly preserved. This entrance leads to: a flamboyantly decorated independent dining room; to the original living room extending into the stunning old-style conservatory with fireplace and to the kitchen extending into the delightful conservatory/family dining room, which itself gives directly on to the garden and guest deck in teak.

On the first floor: study (previously bedroom) one bedroom with en-suite shower room, a vast master bedroom opening onto an equally vast terrace with views over the garden, and the master bedroom's large, fully fitted bathroom.

On the 2nd floor: large landing, a small “teenager apartment" with shower room, 2 further bedrooms and a bathroom with double hand basins.

The basement has been thoughtfully appointed and includes: TV room with window, utility room with window, wine cellar, workshop, oil-fired boiler room and a small independent apartment comprising living room, fitted kitchen, shower room and WC.

The 2000m2 garden has been carefully landscaped with particular attention to the arrangement of colour and varieties, whilst a hedge masks the comings and goings of family cars using the drive way leading to the quadruple garage.

At the back of the grounds, a very comfortable GUEST HOUSE has been entirely refurbished and comprises, on the ground floor: an entrance hall, large kitchen (with lean-to annexe) and sitting room; on the first floor: 2 bedrooms and a bathroom.

Other "plus points" contributing to this already comfortable property: videophone, sophisticated alarm system, automatic watering system, outside lighting (antique street lamps), barbecue area, woodshed…

A unique property, to which poetic and emotive colour has been added, creating a harmonious and rhythmic style in the interior; the perfect compromise between a modern look and the scrupulously preserved exterior extravagance.