| Renovated at the end of the 1980's, this district called Montorgueil in the centre of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine river, between the church ''Saint Eustache'' and Etienne Marcel street with its fashion boutiques. The area is mostly pedestrian and the walkways within the area are all paved and almost entirely closed off to traffic, except for the many peddling bikers. Montorgueil is above all a market street where you will find vegetable stalls, cheese shops and bakeries (organic too!) with colours and smells that are reminiscent of country villages. The apartment itself is located on the 3rd floor and is part of an 18th century private mansion (called a hotel particulier in french) and it is also a Parisian classified historical site, especially its courtyard and surrounding stone walls. A dupleix, thus composed of two levels, the lower level that measures 600 sq.ft. with its high ceilings and original wooden ceiling beams is made up of the entrance with its large double closets and the separate water closet (toilet), followed by the open kitchen with refrigerator, separate freezer, stove top cooking range, conventional oven/microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker and all the necessary cooking utensils, cutlery, glasses and dishes for 8, the dining area with its white oval table for 6-8 people, the comfortable living area with television and cable, and hi-fi system, the master bedroom with once again a large closet space and finally the entirely mediterranean-blue tiled bathroom with its large shower area and towel warmer and also clothes dryer and washing machine. The spiral staircase leads to the upper level that measures 600 sq.ft., most of it is under the angled roof top with its authentic wooden ceiling beams and 2 skylights. At first, one encounters a computer area with high-speed internet access, bookshelves and an smaller additional 2-person bed for guests. Further in, is the additional large bedroom with its secluded attic feel and an additional skylight, with storage and a television too. The apartment is fully equipped, bedding, bathing and home linens included, tastefully and simply decorated, with little clutter, and several authentic design pieces from the 60’s, very recently redone and repainted in white, wooden floors, large arch windows in every room and area, in additiuon to the skylights, overlooking the inner courtyard from one side and the garden from the other. Being away from the main street, and not directly overlooking the street that it is located on, since it is on the courtyard side, the peaceful atmosphere is only disturbed by the occasional chirping of birds, flitting about the large garden.In the inner courtyard, beyond the wrought iron gate, apart from the potted trees and plants, there are bicycle racks to securely attach one’s bicycle, if need be, since most universities are but 15-30 minute bicycle ride away or even faster by subway (3 stations nearby) and bus routes. |
