An elegant Second Empire residence and grounds next to a forest in the Vexin region - ref 947201
An elegant Second Empire residence and grounds next to a forest in the Vexin region.
The property is 1 hour north-west of Paris, in the department of Val d'Oise, in the Ile-de-France region and in the French Vexin regional nature park. This protected rural area is sought after for the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its heritage and its proximity to the capital. The house, which is in a discreet hamlet, is reached via a country road lined with hedges and undergrowth. A number of nearby towns contribute to the vitality of this popular region: Auvers-sur-Oise, loved by the Impressionists, is just a dozen kilometres away; L'Isle-Adam, with its infrastructure, market, beaches and secondary schools, and Pontoise can be reached in around 15 minutes. Marines and Nesles-La-Vallée complete this rich and dynamic heritage. The immediate surroundings are rural and peaceful, but not isolated. Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport is 40 minutes away, as is La Défense district. L'Isle-Adam-Parmain and Valmondois stations provide regular services to Paris-Gare du Nord.
A gravelled driveway leads to the main residence, set back slightly on the edge of parkland spanning almost 2.7 hectares. Built in 1850 in the Second Empire style by Frédéric Schumacher, founder of the eponymous company, it has around 700 m² of living space over several floors. This vast mansion features symmetrical, structured architecture, with a central body flanked by two slightly protruding wings, which give rhythm to the aesthetics of the façade. The Mansard-style natural slate roof features bull's eye dormers, ornate pediments and a finial. At one end, a bell tower with a domed roof evokes the neo-Renaissance or neo-Louis XIII style typical of holiday homes of the period. The whole structure rests on a base of exposed rubble stone, while the walls are rendered in light tones. The main house has 20 rooms, including 12 bedrooms, as well as numerous service areas and converted outbuildings. It is currently organised into four separate units: three flats and a house. All have separate access, but could easily be brought together to bring the building back to its original unity. Opposite the property, a detached caretaker's cottage has three rooms on two levels. Other outbuildings - a former wash-house with a bread oven, cellar, workshop, sheds, kennels and 12 horse stalls - dot the rest of the property. A large parking area has been created at a distance from the house.
The houseThe spaces are currently adapted to shared or multi-functional living. Three independent flats occupy the upper floors, while the garden level forms an adjoining house covering an area of around 400 m². In total, the house has around 20 rooms spread over six levels, including a dozen bedrooms. The ground floorBeyond the porch, an imposing wooden door opens onto a vast, light-filled entrance hall facing the parkland. The octagonal tiled floor with black cabochons, typical of 19th century mansions, contrasts elegantly with the wood panelling on the walls, the niches and the carved stone fireplace, whose floral decoration is still largely visible. The walls are covered with old wallpaper in golden tones, depicting natural scenes. It was designed by Frédéric Schumacher. Herringbone parquet flooring, high south-facing windows and a French window with access to the garden give this room a bright, elegant feel. It has retained its original mouldings, carved stone fireplace and generous ceiling heights. There are several lounges set out in a row. One of them is decorated with a panoramic period tapestry which is framed by dark wood panelling. A library, a small panelled bar and several wooden fireplaces, some topped with mirrored overmantels, complete the floor. A large, light-filled dining room is ...
