Neuilly-sur-Seine (92) is packed with “country houses” tucked away from view in the private roads. But rarer, more atypical residences in the heart of the city can also arouse curiosity. Such is the case of a duplex artist’s studio on the top floors of a four-storey building. “I came back to Neuilly only for this magical place“says Marie-Claude, with emotion, to the Figaro.
If the location is “magic“For this septuagenarian, it’s because she’s been attached to it for over 40 years. “In 1874, my great-grandfather bought the first two floors of what had been a private mansion. Then, in 1890, he built the next two floors. Among other things, he set up his painting and engraving studio here, where he received the curators of the greatest museums, as he stored the paintings of his father, Paul Huet. I moved here from Paris in 1981 because I remembered my grandfather telling me one day that he would like me to live here.“continues Marie-Claude.
Some of the world’s greatest museums are here
His great-grandfather’s studio is now the main room of this 201 m² home. It boasts exceptional ceiling heights of almost 6 meters. The entrance hall features a staircase with two flights of steps. One leads to a dining kitchen with original terracotta floor tiles, the other to a 65 m² (!) terrace on the same level – a rarity for artists’ studios. All this set in one of Neuilly’s most sought-after thoroughfares: Boulevard d’Inkermann, where the Lycée Louis Pasteur is also located. A neighborhood “pleasant“becauseliving” and “very quiet” at the same time, in the owner’s eyes. “Chis type of property is more common in Paris, but at much higher prices.“says Jacques Carpentier, manager of Daniel Féau’s Neuilly branch.
The building is in need of renovation, but “the potential is extraordinary once we give this duplex a more modern look“, according to the real estate agent in charge of the sale. “Everything needs to be redone, but without changing the floor plans or redrawing certain rooms. The kitchen is charming, and the reception room is east/west-facing. The address is beautiful, the sectorization “full Pasteur” (middle school and high school).”says Jacques Carpentier. On sale for the past month, the artist’s studio has been listed at 4.1 million euros. “In the event of an equal offer, I would choose buyers who are willing to preserve the soul of this residence, which has lived many lives over the centuries, but always linked to the arts.“warns Marie-Claude.
Tempted for a time by a return to Paris’s Marais district, this contemporary art enthusiast preferred to stay in Neuilly, a town that is “much livelier (than in the past)”, “very green“and because the atmosphere in the capital is no longer the same as it was a few decades ago. “Neuilly is the town where I was born, the town of my family and friends. The Marais is too noisy, dirty and bobo: there are too many fashion boutiques and less food outlets.“compares Marie-Claude, a very active elected representative in Neuilly. And a generous mother. Part of the proceeds from the sale of her duplex will be donated to her children. “They need me to help them. That’s fundamental for me! I realize how lucky I was to inherit such a property at just 28 years of age.“concludes this mother of three.
