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Light On Art presents Floating House Collection - 7th edition
- October 2024 -Varenne hosts the Floating House Collection: a fusion of refinement and exceptional craftsmanship.As par...
At the end of the allée Maintenon, a discreet cul-de-sac in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, a house-workshop stands as a silent witness to a bygone era, marked by art and innovation.
Designed by renowned architects Auguste and Gustave Perret, this residence, once occupied by Jean Dubuffet, embodies an exceptional architectural heritage, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Today, this rare property steeped in history is being offered for sale by Varenne at a price of €12,500,000, providing a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of Paris's rich artistic heritage.
The serenity of the setting is enhanced by the proximity of the former Visitation monastery. The setting leaves plenty of room for reflection and creativity. The rooftop terrace, a haven of peace, invites you to relax while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Parisian rooftops, providing a striking contrast to the cultural bustle of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Jean Dubuffet, one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, chose to settle in this house in 1945. He lived there until his death in 1985, finding it an inexhaustible source of inspiration. In a letter to Auguste Perret, he emphasised the pleasure he felt in living there.
‘Sir, For more than two years I have been the tenant of the house you built for Madame Méla Mutter [sic]. When I use it, I mean when I live in this house (very constantly, as I hardly ever go out), I experience a pleasure, given by the proportions and architectural arrangements of these premises, which does not diminish (on the contrary, it increases) and my thoughts very often go to the architect who designed it, with a strong feeling of admiration and gratitude which I would like to share with you. [...] ’
[Letter from Jean Dubuffet to Auguste Perret, 2 August 1946, Centre d'archives d'architecture du XXe siècle de l'Institut français d'architecture / Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine, Fonds Perret, 535 AP 417/8].
It was not only his studio, but also a centre for artistic encounters, where major figures such as Man Ray and Raymond Queneau rubbed shoulders.
Renowned photographers, including Denise Colomb and Robert Doisneau, captured intimate moments of the artist's life here, making the house a precious visual witness to his prolific era.
Today, this recently renovated studio house offers a perfect fusion of historic heritage and modern comforts. With 280 m² of living space spread over three levels, it is ideal for a private residence or an artist's studio. The ground floor, once a showroom, now houses a bright lounge opening onto an intimate terrace. The former drawing room has been transformed into a spacious kitchen, extended by a light-filled dining room.
On the upper floor, Dubuffet's former painting studio has been transformed into a vast master suite with a study. The real jewel of this residence is undoubtedly the landscaped terrace of over 100 m², a rare outdoor space in the heart of Paris, offering its occupants an exceptional living environment steeped in history.
Read all the PRESS articles and the podcast about the discovery of this place through the eyes of numerous journalists.
AGENCE VARENNE 6
7 place Saint Sulpice – 75006 ParisAGENCE VARENNE 7
66 rue de babylone – 75007 ParisCraftsmen of encounters between places of history and new lives.
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