An 18th-century house with a swimming pool, an outbuilding and a 5,800m² garden,
nestled in the village of Boisement on Hautil heights, just north-west of Paris
nestled in the village of Boisement on Hautil heights, just north-west of Paris
Boisemont,
VAL-D'OISE
ile-de-france
95000
FR
Location
Around 40 kilometres from the capital, the village, set on hills overlooking a meander in the Seine, evokes the rural Île-de-France of yesteryear. Set against the backdrop of the Hautil forest massif, including the Porte-Neuve, de la Hutte and Boisemont woods, it benefits from a high-quality natural environment. All amenities are just a few minutes away, including a mini-crèche, a school and a riding school. This small community combines peace and quiet with proximity to major routes. The capital can be reached via the A15, A14 and A13 motorways, and in 30 minutes by the RER line A. Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle airport is accessible via the Francilienne.
Description
The property stands in a quiet street in the town centre, out of sight. The imposing gate opens onto a driveway where vehicles can park. A flight of steps, set amidst the greenery, leads up to an outbuilding and then to the house. Built on the edge of a plot in the traditional style of rural farmhouses, its main façade opens onto a vast enclosed garden planted with trees, the real focal point of the property. Built in the 18th century, the building features the simple, solid forms typical of the region's architecture. The whitewashed façades, flat-tiled roofs and weathered wooden joinery blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Beyond its architecture, the house has been shaped by the people who have lived there. For 37 years, it was the home of Dorothy Douglas Robinson, known as Dorothy Kidder, a leading figure in Franco-American cultural life. The house was then occupied for 20 years by the parents of photographer Peter Knapp, whose unique approach to image and light had a profound effect on fashion photography in the 20th century. These successive occupants have imbued the house with a unique atmosphere, steeped in history and artistic creation.
The house
Restored with great care, it has two floors. It provides around 220 m² of living space, combining traditional materials with contemporary comforts. Renovation work in 2021 involved whitewashing, fitting new shutters, a complete cleaning of the roof with removal and re-installation of the tiles, and internal insulation. The architectural integrity of the building has been preserved, along with the installation of high-performance equipment such as a condensing boiler and double-glazed windows. Consequently, the house does not require any work. Many of the original decorative features, carefully maintained by the occupants, show the patina of time, while the more recent fittings provide appreciable comfort throughout the year.
The ground floor
A hallway opens onto a vast living room of almost 63 m² with a dining room and a sitting room featuring an open fireplace. The space looks out onto the garden through two large wrought-iron windows. To the left of the entrance hall there is a guest toilet, a kitchen with plenty of equipment and storage space, a utility room and a cellar. The ground floor is bright and friendly, with old terracotta floor tiles and an exposed-beam ceiling. A staircase leads to the bedrooms and the converted attic space.
The upstairs
There are four spacious bedrooms. The first two are to the right of the staircase. One has a French window providing access to a small terrace and after to a more intimate part of the garden. On this side there is also a newly created shower room and a separate toilet. Opposite there is a third bedroom, and at the end of the corridor there is the master bedroom, measuring around 26 m², with four high windows and two large built-in wardrobes. The floor is completed by a shower room and toilet. Each of the bedrooms opens onto the garden, providing a pleasant extension to the rooms thanks to the view of the vegetation.
The attic
This has been fully insulated and converted, and comprises an attic space to the right of the staircase, built-in cupboards opposite, a separate toilet and, to the left, an additional bedroom of approximately 22 m² with its own bathroom. The room, under the eaves, is a peaceful and comfortable refuge under the imposing beams, and could be a special space for children.
The outbuilding
An extension of the main building, the 50 m² outbuilding comprises a workshop on the ground floor and a 22 m² office on the first floor, with a water supply point.
The garden
At the same height as the farmhouse, it is a haven of peace. Hidden from view, it enjoys uninterrupted views and absolute tranquillity. Everything has been thought out to ensure a relaxing and convivial atmosphere. Several terraces and discreet areas allow inhabitants to enjoy nature to the full, from spring through to the early autumn. Hazelnuts, apples, quince, cherries, almonds, apricots, walnuts and other trees and shrubs of different species grow side by side. The swimming pool, recently tiled and equipped with a heat pump and a sliding cover, tempts inhabitants to relax or play in the water.
Our opinion
An 18th century farmhouse that perfectly embodies the spirit of the region. Its sober architecture, rooted in the land, is enhanced by the quality of the renovations and the attention paid to the continuity of the site. As a main residence or country house, it offers the ideal setting for a family, with space for every season: winter by the fireplace, spring in the orchard, summer by the pool and autumn in the golden light of the garden. Its location, in the centre of a peaceful village less than an hour from Paris, its very good general condition and the existence of an outbuilding make this house a property with character that is ready to stand the test of time.
1 099 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 223941
| Land registry surface area | 5783 m² |
| Main building floor area | 221 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 5 |
| Outbuildings floor area | 50 m² |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
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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.
