| The 7th
arrondissement was the most elegant residential district of Paris during the 18th
century. In 1889, the Eiffel Tower was constructed there, reinforcing the neighborhood's
identity as chic and quintessentially Parisian. Home to many foreign embassies
as well as the Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, and Musée Rodin, this section of the
Left Bank is a mix of France's diplomatic, architectural, and military achievements.
Despite its many attractions, this neighborhood of wide tree-lined boulevards
and impressive esplanades creates a feeling of tranquility and spaciousness.
Midway
between the Seine and the boulevard Saint-Germain is L'Enclave, a renovated 17th-century
carriage house that once housed the horses and carriages of a wealthy Parisian
family. L'Enclave offers a delightful combination of location and luxury; this
elegant property is furnished with the finest antiques, china, fabrics, and amenities.
Enter the courtyard through massive double doors that open onto a wonderful,
tranquil setting. Across the courtyard is a lovely stand-alone building with a
large, arched window. On the entry level there is a bedroom suite with an antique
double bed and en suite marble bathroom (shower over tub). A small refrigerator
is conveniently located in this bedroom for beverages and snacks. Upstairs
is a grand living room with a vaulted ceiling. An archway leads to the library,
with a 17th-century working limestone fireplace and large skylight overhead. A
Louis XV bookcase holds a flat-screen TV (with CNN, BBC, and some English films),
as well as a DVD player and stereo system.
At either end of the salon there are
hallways leading to the remaining two bedrooms. Each of the bedrooms at L'Enclave
could be considered master bedrooms. Each is similar in size and quality of furnishings.
Each has its own en suite bath. One bedroom has a vaulted beamed celing with a
skylight, making it possible to lie in bed and watch the stars. This room has
a divisible king-sized bed and its own en suite bathroom with a large tub, skylight,
and built-in washer/dryer. The third bedroom has a beautiful 17th-century
limestone fireplace at the foot of a queen-sized bed. The bathroom has a double
sink, large tub, and separate stall shower, all finished in natural stone. Both
of the bedrooms on the upper level have doors to the terrace off the kitchen.
In
the center of these two hallways is the spacious country kitchen, with a vaulted
ceiling, two skylights, a huge four-burner La Cornue range, a grill, two ovens, dishwasher,
and a large double door refrigerator. French doors lead to a small walled terrace,
with a wrought iron table and chairs for all fresco dining.
L'Enclave is
furnished with many antiques but does not feel like a museum. It is a warm, lovely
family home, located in one of Paris's most delightful neighborhoods.
PLEASE NOTE: Children must be carefully supervised! The large arched window over the courtyard has no substantial guard rail, which could be a safety hazard if the window is open. This is a listed historic building, so it can not be changed.
L'Enclave is a non-smoking property.
|