Second French Empire

The lovely, but simple view of Le Vésinet forest, made to please the royal eyes of the occupants of Saint-Germain-en-Laye castle, was first developed by Henri IV when he designed wide avenues radiating out from a central point towards the horizon. Crown land for many centuries, it was the site of the first passenger train terminus in 1837. Due to its popularity with Parisians, the royal forest soon became the site of a real estate project. Its very detailed specifications stipulated that the spirit of the place (and its future) was to be preserved, along with the fan-shaped view of Saint-German-en-Laye castle. The architect responsible for developing this residential estate in the heart of the forest wrote that “it will become a favourite with men who, tired of the noise of Paris and the worries of work, aspire for peace and rest in the country”. It would be difficult to be more prophetic: Le Vésinet seems to have changed little in the last 150 years. This typical Second Empire mansion, with its triple reception area, study, winter garden, eight bedrooms including a master suite, gym room, sauna, swimming pool, beautiful enclosed park and large caretakers’ house, will certainly afford a wonderful break from the noise and bustle of a city which, unlike Le Vésinet, has changed enormously. Alain Bauer is handling the sale of the property.