Private Client - Paris Residence

Marais District, Paris, France

This historic private residence was built in 1870 by Napoleon III for his Mistress, located in the Marais District of Paris, France. After his Mistress passed away, the home was gifted to the Catholic Church and was used as housing for (5) Priests for over a century, until our Client offered to purchase the property. This architectural form of traditional French Residence is called a “Hotel Particulier” composed of a Carriage House with horse stables and bedrooms for the coachmen at the front of the property, a Central Courtyard for the arrival of horse led carriages, and the Main Residence building at the rear of the site, surrounded by a walled enclosure.

Baker Design Group was asked to design the transformation of this 15,000 sq. ft. residence, incorporating the modern conveniences, and building systems, while respecting and restoring the historic detailing of the original home. Fortunately, the Priests who lived in the home did very little to alter the original building. Our renovation work restored the historic detailing as requested by the Historic Commission, and we received approval to make external changes to improve the design of the original residence. The new features and elements create a residence that far exceeds what could have been imagined or built by Napoleon III in his time.

Starting with the former Carriage House, this small building was transformed into a modern apartment for the caretaker of the property. The client wanted to reserve the Courtyard for only landscape, so we needed to develop an innovative approach to manage the cars. Parking on site is accommodated by a combination car-lift and turntable, allowing three cars to park below the Carriage House and out of sight: a first of its kind parking system. The parking turntable orients the vehicles so that they can park into the corners of the basement or position the vehicle so they can drive straight out onto the street. We wanted to create a “James Bond moment” with every arrival home, so as the car elevator drops down the Client arrives at the basement to a beautiful view of a large illuminated indoor swimming pool with skylights cut into the Central Courtyard above. This lower level of the home also includes is a Hammam, Spa, and Recording Studio.

The first floor of the residence is composed of social spaces including a Study, Living Room, Kitchen, and Dining Room, with a large, motorized skylight over the table for dining under the stars when the weather allows. The second floor holds the bedrooms for the family and the 3rd floor has guest bedrooms and a Library which acts as a Living Room for the guests. Some of the 3rd floor guestrooms are hidden within the Library, accessed through hinged bookcases.

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