This grand villa, the likes of which you’d usually find in the Loire Valley, is a rarity in the heart of Paris. Dating back to the 18th century, you can picture nobility moving around behind each wooden-shuttered French window. Inside though, it’s decidedly 21st-century – grey velvet in the living room, a slate-coloured kitchen, and perfectly geometric modern four-posters in the bedrooms. Plus, a basement cinema room and several office spaces set up for laptops. Gilded mirrors and the occasional marble bust on book-filled shelves are a nod to the home’s history. The garden is the cherry on top – and immaculate lawn leading down to a heated pool, lined with a wall of trees for privacy. There’s a long balcony overlooking the pool and a terrace set up with outdoor sofas, ideal for pre-dinner drinks. Heading out the door, you’re just south of the Latin Quarter, next to the Panthéon, so lively bars and bistros are all around and it’s a twenty-minute walk to Notre Dame.
Home truths: *The sixth bedroom is a garden guest room. It has a kitchenette, bathroom, and a sofa bed measuring 120 cm.
*The living room fireplace is decorative, but the one in the main bedroom is fully functional.
*This home is split across four levels with a central spiral staircase that is a little narrow.
*There is no air-conditioning, but there are fans in the bedrooms.
*A private parking space is included.
*Housekeeping is provided three times per week, for four hours per visit.
*The garden fitness room has an elliptical bike, weight bench with dumbbells, and a yoga mat.