A former 18th-century chapel, listed as a Historical Monument et in need of a full renovation, in the middle of the French Vexin Regional Natural Park
A former 18th-century chapel, listed as a Historical Monument et in need of a full renovation, in the middle of the French Vexin Regional Natural Park.
In the Seine River Valley and the French Vexin Regional Natural Park, Gargenville has preserved, behind its 20th-century industrial transformations, several more discreet fragments of its history. In particular, the hamlet of Hanneucourt, once organised around an important seigniorial estate, bears witness to this obscured memory, while, approximately forty minutes to the west of Paris, the capital can be easily reached via the A13 and A14 motorways, as well as public transportation via the Transilien line J and, soon, the RER E. In addition, two bus stops are located nearby as well as a primary school and a lower secondary school.
Rebuilt in the 18th century by Moufle de La Tuilerie and then remodelled in the first half of the 19th century, the chateau of Hanneucourt then formed a holiday home featuring a main dwelling, an orangery, a dovecote, stables, staff quarters and a private chapel. The latter, today deconsecrated, has been recognised as a regional Historical Monument, while, set back from the busy roads, it appears at the edge of an open courtyard, bordered by centenary trees and the chateau's outbuildings, in the process of being rehabilitated and transformed.
As for the rectangular edifice, with a floor area of approximately 70 m², it was designed with understated architecture, while its plaster-coated exteriors stand out thanks to its three stained glass windows: a semi-circular arched one and two Gothic arch versions with tracery. Topped with a slate and zinc hipped roof, its main façade features a triangular pediment as well as a quadrilobate rose window, whereas a roof lantern with a bell crowns the roof ridge, a subtle reminder of the building's original purpose.
Within close proximity, the estate's former dovecote contributes to this one-of-a-kind composition, while the chapel's interior exudes a contemplative ambiance, quite intact despite the passing of time and the years spent abandoned. Featuring a black and white chequered tile floor, wood panelling around the choir, painted décor and light filtering through its stained glass windows, creating a quiet, meditative space, the chapel's interior also boasts several statues, paintings and lecterns, which act like silent guardians watching over the nave.
In addition, its interior dimensions, relatively large for an edifice of this size, procure a feeling of unexpected volume, while the chapel is flooded in light, which highlights its burnished walls and original wood panelling depending on the time of day. Lastly, it should be noted that the chapel's immediate outskirts will need to be reimagined, but provide the opportunity and necessary space to create a monastic-inspired garden or a more contemporary landscaped courtyard.
