A 16th-century dwelling, of more than 300 m², in a peaceful environment, combining forest with architectural heritage, near all services in Ecouen - r
A 16th-century dwelling, of more than 300 m², in a peaceful environment, combining forest with architectural heritage, near all services in Ecouen.
Located in the Val-d'Oise department and approximately twenty kilometres to the north of Paris, the town of Ecouen extends over a promontory overlooking the Pays de France, while the city has preserved a breath-taking heritage, featuring, in particular, its 16th-century chateau built for Anne de Montmorency and now the National Museum of the Renaissance. Later in the 19th century, several painters also moved here in order to establish the School of Ecouen, whereas its historical centre, with its narrow streets, is lined with houses from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
In addition, the forest extends around the town and contributes to its natural setting, while today the town includes several academic and cultural establishments. Others are also quickly accessible from the city, whereas the Ecouen-Ezanville train station provides rail service to Paris in twenty minutes and the Charles-de-Gaulle airport is accessible in twenty minutes via automobile.
Built in the 16th century and attributed to Jean Bullant, an architect during the French Renaissance in the service of Anne de Montmorency - for whom he specifically designed the Chateau of Ecouen and participated in the construction of the Louvre Museum - the dwelling has belonged to the same family for nearly a century. Previously, in the 19th century, when the town was the site of a renowned painting school, several artists also stayed here and worked in the artist's studio - located on the top floor and illuminated by an immense atelier window - whose walls still preserve the memory of this period dedicated to creativity.
Located on a lot of more than 2,500 m², the dwelling, a national Historical Monument, features approximately 310 m² of floor area over three levels, whereas its ten rooms, including six bedrooms, are laid out around a cobblestone courtyard extended by a walled garden. Facing the street, its plaster-coated façade, rigorously methodical, is cadenced by symmetrical windows safeguarded by swing shutters, while its front door is accessible via stone steps with a wrought-iron bannister.
As for the roof, punctuated by hipped dormers as well as several chimneys, it combines a slate Mansard-style lower section with a wide upper section covered in flat tiles, whereas its garden-facing exterior adopts a symmetrical composition with glass doors opening on to the courtyard and four ionic marble columns structuring the view.
Last, but not least, a second, independent two-storey building, of approximately 100 m², is located nearby and includes, specifically, a two-car garage.
The Dwelling
The ground floor
The front door opens on to a dual-aspect hallway with Burgundy stone tiles, providing access to the dwelling's living areas as well as the courtyard, followed by the walled garden. On one side, the dining room still contains its original fireplace, one of the dwelling's major features with its painted marble mantel, black marble jambs, denticulated lintel, heraldic cast-iron plaque depicting the Sun King as well as a bas-relief adorning the wall of its hearth, while built-in former larders punctuate this room's thick walls.
In addition, a contemporary kitchen, created in an extension, opens on to the garden and provides access to the garage, while two adjacent living rooms are located directly opposite, one of which still features its stone fireplace. Further on, a wooden staircase, providing access to the upper floors, is situated next to a lavatory and the boiler room.
The first floor
Extending on from the staircase, whose solid newel is supported by a sturdy oak beam, an initial large bedroom with wide-plank parquet floors, burnished with time, features an understated stone fireplace ...
