Marais Pied-à-terre - Paris, France
Rates: Please contact us for rate info.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 10
Picasso Pied-à-terre is a designated landmark 15th Century townhouse that has been carefully restored and decorated in 2006 by a well-known New York interior designer and his Paris-based partner. One of the oldest standing houses in the city, it is a robust structure of thick stone walls, many fine fireplaces, ancient wood-beamed ceilings and well-worn floors of terra cotta tile, oak plank and rustic limestone.
AN HISTORIC HOUSE IN THE OLD MARAIS Picasso Pied-à-terre occupies a central, yet peaceful corner of this fabled quarter. With "classe historique" status, and the energy of at least 500 years of habitation, more than 20 generations of life's rituals have filled this house. The stone walls exceed one meter in depth in certain places, and evoke the "built-to-last" architecture of the day, while the medieval limestone arches in the basement enclose its very own well. The ancient circular stairway is one of last standing examples of a wooden & tile escargot staircase, built around one solid oak tree carved-down (with handrail) its entire 3.5 story-length.The famous proprietor in the 15h century was a certain Jean de la Haye, called "Le Picquet," then a stellar chef in the Marais, credited with his puff pastry innovations. Perhaps because of its holy "niche" on the exterior, this house has withstood plagues, partial collapse, riots and spectacular fire...and now stands as a testament to the importance of historical restoration and preservation of the Patrimoine Parsien.
A TOWNHOUSE: (four suites) up to 10 persons. The house features several living areas, four bedrooms, four and a half baths, two kitchens and two kitchenettes. It functions as either a large townhouse that can sleep up to TEN, or as four private apartments. It is decorated with antique, period-style, and contemporary furnishings and fine art which complement the faithfully restored medieval architecture, all of which reflect the designer's signature high-style, understated luxury and sense of comfort.
MAîTRE SUITE: the master apartment accommodating 1-2 persons. High ceilings, massive oak beams, limestone tiles and wide-plank flooring are hallmarks of the largest apartment. The dramatic foyer with tall windows, unique armoire and large Flemish-style chandelier opens through double-doors to the bedroom with its three-meter-high tester bed and limestone hearth. A vaulted passage leads down five steps from the foyer to the Salon with its Renaissance wood-burning fireplace, deep velvet sofa and high-backed chairs. A second sofa, in Louis XIII-style, forms a cozy corner and fronts a dining table suitable for up to 8 people. This apartment, with its fully-equipped stainless-steel kitchen, is eminently suited for entertaining.
AVIARY SUITE: (studio suite) 1-2 persons. This charming suite features red and white "toile de Jouey" wall covering and a large collection of shorebird lithographs by an 18th century naturalist. A woodburning fireplace with facing chairs make a charming sitting area for two. Wide plank flooring and ancient beams further enhance the traditional and thoroughly romantic atmosphere. In addition to the main room there is a kitchenette and a windowed, fully marbled bath. This apartment makes a most convenient "extra bedroom" to the Maitre apartment.
ATELIER SUITE: (a duplex suite) 1-4 persons. A windowed entry with a limestone arched kitchenette gives out to a light flooded double height "studio" living room. A stair and catwalk lead to the mezzanine bedroom with a "mansard" window and also view over the lower level. The living room is arranged with two deep daybed/sofas flanking a wood burning fireplace and a round table with Louis XIII style dining chairs at the window. The soaring white walls, the ancient beams and antique terracotta tile flooring give this suite rustic simplicity and drama.
GARÇONNIERE: a studio apartment - accommodating 1-2 persons. The top floor apartment has "tented" striped walls and ceiling and a mirrored alcove bed in a traditional "campaign" style. There is mahogany furniture, a dormer window-seat and cafe table as well as an upholstered Louis XIII-style armchair. A separate beamed and skylit entry area and kitchenette lead to a windowed bath with a large stall shower. Though fully equipped and self contained the Garconniere might also make a most suitable "extra bedroom" to the Atelier suite.
