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The beautiful old building that houses Picasso's modern art inspired us to complement the old with the new. So here, in the heart of the ancient Marais district of Paris, just around the corner from the Picasso Museum, an old convent complete with cobbled courtyard provides the setting for an up to the minute apartment that retains its old charm together with state of the art designer décor.
The convent was reconverted long ago and this apartment was completely renovated in 2003-4 by the Spanish owner/architect, together with his English partner and our invaluable French manager. This international project endeavoured to achieve a contemporary atmosphere whilst preserving the quaint features of the old building. Indeed, some doors won't close properly but the heating is superb!
Just one flight of easy stairs takes you to the front door that opens onto a bright, spacious living area that includes the open-plan kitchen, loft-style.
Original wood floors and carefully chosen colours on the walls immediately welcome you to the cosy feeling of home in stylish, modern comfort.
Light floods into the apartment which has large windows looking onto the courtyard and onto this exceptionally quiet street. The lighting is a feature in itself, and has been thoughtfully planned including dimmer switches and lamps.
Every detail has been carefully considered with that special architect's touch. The furnishings blend the old and the new while the kitchen and bathroom are both state of the art.
Use the main living area to relax with cable TV and catch up with the news on CNN or BBC, or simply chill out with a DVD. Use your computer and the high-speed internet connection to keep in touch with home or find out what's on in Paris.
Indulge in some Parisian delicacies at the table in the dining area. You can prepare your own gourmet meal in the kitchen that has everything from ceramic cooktop to microwave oven, or simply use it for fresh coffee and to heat your croissants.
The bedroom has a queen size bed and direct access to the bathroom. One window looks onto the courtyard and two more look onto the street. Blackout blinds allow you to sleep on to recover from Parisian nightlife, while the delicate muslin curtains filter the light if you just want to relax during the day.
Two more people fit very comfortably on the double sofa-bed in the living area, which has a very good mattress. They also have direct access to the bathroom so they don't have to disturb anyone in the bedroom.
Enjoy a soak in the extra-large tub at the end of your day or freshen up in the shower. The bathroom has high-gloss ceramic tiles and a stone floor, with a towel heater for that extra touch of comfort when you step out of the bath.
The Marais district is like a village in the middle of Paris. Everything is just a step away- the Carnavalet Museum, the Picasso Museum, Pompidou Centre, Place des Vosges, shops in the Rue des Francs Bourgeois, trendy bars and restaurants, traditional markets and supermarkets.
Located on Rue Barbette the apartment enjoys the peace and quiet of streets with very little traffic, while being just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Le Marais, the Centre Georges Pompidou and Place de la République.
There are two Metro stations close by. You will be welcomed and well looked after by our bi-lingual manager and the on-site concierge, Marie, who is a treasure. You really will feel you are part of Paris here and we are sure you will fall in love with this apartment as we did - Picasso probably would have too. |
