A unique place above Paris rooftops
Sextant Properties would like to give you a tour of a recently refurbished apartment in the French capital, one with unique views on the Paris rooftops too.
Very close to one of Paris Opera Houses, the Palais Garnier, lies a gem of an apartment in the Vivienne-Gaillon area. Let us visit this very spacious duplex at number 23 on “boulevard des Capucines” in the heart of Paris. This gem boasts 70 square meters, which translates in just above 750 square feet. It is also poised at the top of a building which dates back to nineteenth century and gives you an exquisite view of Paris rooftops.
Believe it or not but that place had not undergone any major work since…1899. A photographer used to live there. It was him actually who requested back in the days that a glass roof gets added. First of all, he wanted to lighten up the place. He also wanted to get a rare view on Paris rooftops. As time went by, this historic apartment became somewhat of a liability with regards to thermal insulation and modern property regulations. It had become unsafe really.
A cocoon of light under the roofs
There are strict guidelines to develop properties in the heart of Paris. This is why it took 2 years for architect Vincent Parreira to turn the place into what it is today – an apartment blessed with charms. The historical glass roof has been completely redesigned. It was replaced by an iron framework in order to optimise lighting, insulation and safety. The result is breathtaking. It now casts a natural light over a large living room of nearly 300 square feet. The room itself has been decorated with a very light mineral coating. As for the floor, it is made of oak parquet to preserve the ancient feel of the place. Next to it, behind a leather curtain one can find a little fitted kitchen as well as a staircase which leads to bedroom downstairs…
An intimate setting with a clean, modern line
The staircase has been renovated as opposed to replaced. Its beautiful iron works have been kept and repainted in white. That takes you to a large bedroom of nearly 400 square feet. The room has been carefully laid out with a light partition wall made of glass. The sleeping area on one side also includes a built-in wardrobe. On the other side of the partition lies the chill-out corner with a desk. Just like above, the oak flooring brings warmth to the room. Yet what struck us the most was the mirroring welcome at the foot of the stairs.
The shower has been fitted with a two-way window, also called a “spy mirror”. You don’t need to be James Bond to gather that it allows the person inside to see without being seen. It is worth noting too that both the sink and the shower cabin have been coated with a white surface design material called Corian ®. This treatment gives the bathroom corner a sumptuous marbled effect.
Overall, a very modern touch with an intimate feel in this ancient setting in the heart of the capital and above Paris rooftops.
Source: Le Figaro
Photo credits: Luc Boegly