Early 20th century architect’s villa and its parklands on the banks of the Marne
Location
On the right bank of the Marne, near to a historic and cultural town, birthplace of a famous literary author and on the edge of one of the most well-known vineyard’s in the world. Between valleys and hills in the middle of the Omois area, in the south of the French department of Aisne, and on the borders of that of Ile-de-France. Less than an hour from the French capital and Roissy-CDG airport, approx. 50 km (31 miles) from the region’s main towns. The property is on the banks of the Marne, on the outskirts of a village, in an exceptional site and setting. The place is peaceful, the decor astonishing.
Description
On the outskirts of a town, near to the vineyard, hidden behind a long, old stone wall, in the middle of a wooded garden, on the edge of outstanding parklands, watered by an arm of the Marne.
This comfortable unpretentious residence stands in parklands that extend to the edge of the Marne, in a landscape that is full of charm, the horizon of which is closed by the hills of the Omois area. Its architecture, however, initially reflected a much more sober appearance.
The building is of an original style and an impressive size.
Its unusual architecture is not representative of an era, but the original work of a famous architect at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, a forerunner of the Art Nouveau period, and a disciple of Viollet-le-Duc.
This large country house was built for a famous banker, born several decades earlier in the village itself, son of a vine grower. He had chosen a career in banking and had made his fortune, enriched in particular thanks to the gold mines. And after having occupied a neighbouring property, he had this villa built as he believed it better suited for receptions as well as his family requirements.
The first of the architect’s projects were somewhat unusual, and quite different, essentially with regard to orientation.
Heavily influenced at the time by English and Flemish architecture, his style combined rustic pragmatism with a fanciful imagination.
As for the actual architecture, it is possible to discern a certain art nouveau, which has nothing to do with the ogival style so dear to Viollet-le-Duc, or the more picturesque architecture that Guimard was so fond of, but perhaps just the mark of several Nordic or, more specifically, Scandinavian overtones.
The height of fashion was more the Anglo-Norman style such as in Chantilly or Deauville, and the banker was well aware of this. Half-timbering was therefore gradually to dominate. But the galleries protected by heavy coverings, as well as the importance given to the roof and to the tall chimneys, gave the villa a very distinctive style, one that was quite unique in France and was partly inspired by the British “Arts and Crafts” movement.
At the time, consoles protruding from the balconies supported brightly coloured, ball-shaped earthenware containers planted with geraniums.
And the terrace went down towards the grasslands which stretched as far as the banks of the Marne, via a large stairway featuring impressive stone balls, resembling projectiles for enormous bombards.
And finally, on one side, a mast bore the owners’ colours.
Over the years since this time, the various successive owners of the property have removed or modified some of these features.
Much later, its final vocation was to be a retirement home but its conversion, although necessary to adapt it to its new destiny, was limited to minor works in order to keep all the internal and external features intact.
The property spans almost 6 ha (15 acres) as far as an arm of the Marne, with an island, parklands planted with various species, and trees of over one hundred years old, a landscaped garden, a vast orchard with a wide variety of fruit trees, a small vegetable garden with an ornamental pool and a source as well as a part of the property consisting of building land.
Caretaker’s cottage and garages.
Our opinion
An unusual building that is both impressive and atypical, a unique example bearing rare witness to the style of a man and the Art nouveau period. Certainly one of the most astonishing and the most exceptional creations of this architect in the whole of northern France. All that set in unspoilt surroundings, in the middle of peaceful countryside that is both well-kept and wild, where flora and fauna still prevail today, with an essential feature, water. A true property, a large family home surrounded by vast, pleasant parklands, near to the centre of a historic town. An architecture that would be the envy of many architect’s villas. Ideal as a permanent residence or as a holiday home with a quality of life that is particularly appreciable less than one hour from the French capital. In any case, it is a setting full of serenity.
1 870 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 3138BVM
| Land registry surface area | 6 ha (15 acres) |
| Main building surface area | 1000m² (10,376 sq ft) |
| Outbuilding surface area | 185m² (1,919 sq ft) |
Regional representative
Bruno Van Montagu +33 (0)6 43 61 86 27
NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
