Location

Set within the “Parc Naturel de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse” created in 1985 to protect one of the most remarkable natural sites in Ile de France. Steep-sided valleys, cultivated plateaux and wooded hills have, since the 18th century, become home to the middle-classes who progressively chased the farmers from the landscape. And yet, despite the development, as is the case throughout Ile de France, of a significant motorway network, the natural topography has partially prevented industrialisation. 35% of the territory of the commune in which this residence is built is covered with forests.
30 minutes from Paris via the RER B railway.

Description

In parklands spanning 2ha 41a 15ca (5.96 acres), backing on to a wooded hillside, a group of buildings comprising a main dwelling dating from the 19th century, as well as a caretaker’s cottage and 2 annex buildings, stand around a waterfall feeding an ornamental pool. The land slopes gently down from the foot of the hill to the main road. An old rose garden in the process of being replanted stretches in front of the main building. To the rear is a fenced-in paddock and wooden shelter for a horse and at the upper limits a wooded area, marking the outer limits of the property.
Almost right in the centre stands an arbour, looking down on the rocky waterfall and its bridge, bearing witness to a 19th century decorative art form.

The main residence
Built during the early years of the 20th century by an American architect, it is steeped in English Palladianism. Its white rendered facade is enhanced by quoins, a peristyle which hides the zinc-covered roof and features 6 windows set out on two stories. The ground floor comprises 3 semicircular arched openings, characteristic of the Palladian-style, that open on to a half-moon-shaped terrace. Upstairs, 3 French windows open on to balconies with wrought iron railings, identical to those surrounding the lower terrace. The gentle slope of the land gives this raised residence a dominant view. Two straight stairways, each situated at the end of the terrace, provide direct access to the parklands. However, the utility rooms to the rear of the building have easy access to the parklands as they are on a level.
On the inside, from the terrace with its black and white geometrically patterned floor, a wide central corridor with herringbone parquet flooring, leads to the reception rooms on either side and the stone stairway; two landings and outstanding wrought-iron banisters. Half-way up a large picture window lavishly illuminates the central floor landing.
Throughout the ground floor, strip wood or herringbone parquet flooring, small glass-paned interior doors, wide windows opening on to the outside, period marble fireplaces topped with mirrors, one of which has a garland decorated frame. 3.8 m (12.5’) high ceilings, all (except for the library) with corner mouldings of varying designs.
A kitchen where some of the original features have been preserved. Straight, glass extraction hood, cement geometrically patterned floor tiles, 2 doors leading to the reception rooms and another leading outside on the north side. Basement access.
Upstairs, large central landing. Oak wood herringbone parquet flooring, 3.55 m (11.6’) high ceilings. Series of small mirror-paned doors leading to the bedrooms and bathroom and toilet facilities. Period door furniture. Basement with garage, numerous rooms for storing and conserving purposes, boiler room.

The outbuildings
Spread around the parklands, they are currently rented out as furnished accommodation. A house with an interlocking-tile gable roof and millstone grit walls. Its surface area of approx. 30 m² (323 sq ft) comprises one large room, a kitchen and a bathroom.
A caretaker’s cottage at the entrance to the property is divided into 2 flats. This stone and brick construction has a floor surface area of approx. 45 m² (484 sq ft).
A greenhouse converted into a workshop (68 m² / 732 sq ft) is extended by a small house of approx. 30 m² (323 sq ft) which comprises one room, a kitchen and a bathroom.

Our opinion

Numerous openings let the light flow freely through to be reflected throughout in the mirrors. The Palladian style, in this case more English due to its sobriety, has not been modified since it was created by its designer at the beginning of the 20th century. It is possible to think that the study was added but certainly not long afterwards. The residence is 30 minutes from Paris, there where wide open spaces still take precedence over a rapidly growing urbanisation.

Price: Contact us
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.

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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.