The former home of Roger Vercel, winner of
the 1934 Prix Goncourt, near the castle in Dinan
the 1934 Prix Goncourt, near the castle in Dinan
Saint-Malo,
COTES-D'ARMOR
brittany
35400
FR
Location
The appeal of the Rance valley no longer needs to be proven. Here, not far from the Emerald Coast, granite mansions vie with each other to be the most elegant. The property is close to the historic centre of Dinan, in an area renowned for its tranquillity. It is away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping streets, yet just a stone's throw from cultural activities or walks along the towpath.
The railway station is only a few minutes away. Saint-Malo, with all its facilities, its station - from where the TGV takes you to Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes - and its ferry port, is a 30-minute drive away. It takes 45 minutes to reach Rennes, the capital of Brittany, and its international airport.
Description
Close to the castle, in the peace and quiet of a sought-after residential area, this detached house is situated in a street that receives little traffic other than local residents. In a prominent position overlooking the town, it has two entrances, as well as an enclosed garage in another street further down to the west. The main entrance to the property is from the street, via a powered gate that provides access to a private parking space. Slightly further up the street, there is another pedestrian entrance to the rear of the house and its basement. A flight of steps leads to a small garden and a terrace with a hot tub, sheltered from prying eyes.
The villa was built in 1937 for the writer Roger Vercel, winner of the 1934 Prix Goncourt for his novel "Capitaine Conan".
This residence with a granite facade and dressed stone surrounds was as much a refuge as a study. The building has a multi-pitched slate roof with triangular pediment dormers. The other windows follow a regular pattern, either rectangular or arched. A small tower with a ship's weathervane finial overlooks the main entrance. The building has four storeys, one of which is a lower garden level, hidden from prying eyes.
The villa was built in 1937 for the writer Roger Vercel, winner of the 1934 Prix Goncourt for his novel "Capitaine Conan".
This residence with a granite facade and dressed stone surrounds was as much a refuge as a study. The building has a multi-pitched slate roof with triangular pediment dormers. The other windows follow a regular pattern, either rectangular or arched. A small tower with a ship's weathervane finial overlooks the main entrance. The building has four storeys, one of which is a lower garden level, hidden from prying eyes.
The house
The ground floor
A flight of steps leads to an entrance hall, which serves on one side a sitting/dining room and on the other a passageway to a kitchen and a staircase. The vast living room is separated by two tall columns on either side and features an Art Deco-style brick fireplace with wooden column jambs. The flooring is of straight strip hardwood. Daylight floods in through the large arched windows. The recent kitchen is arranged around a central island and the floor is laid with tiles of varying motifs.
The first floor
A landing leads to a study, which was fitted out by the former master of the house. The Art Deco spirit still reigns in this large room with its hardwood flooring and stone fireplace. Curved or straight windows with coloured stained glass panes are typical of the period, as are the handles and doors. A bedroom with en suite bathroom and a separate lavatory complete this level. The entire first floor has straight strip hardwood flooring.
The second floor
A further landing leads to three bedrooms, a small study area and a lavatory. Two bedrooms are connected via a shower room. The third has its own shower room. The floors are hardwood.
The basement
In the basement, which can be accessed from both indoors and outdoors, there are workshop/storage areas and a laundry room.
The garden level
At the lower garden level, a self-contained extension to the house includes a large room with an open-plan, tiled kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Our opinion
A large town residence in perfect harmony with its urban and historic surroundings, offering a wealth of features: sweeping views, an abundance of natural light and peace and quiet both inside and out. The property has retained its inimitable original Art Deco style, which has been carefully maintained by successive occupants, who have also sought to add modern comforts. Everything is there, with nothing to add or take away from its elegant sobriety.
This is a restful, timeless place where the mind will without doubt find new inspiration.
995 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 196699
| Land registry surface area | 394 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 280 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 6 |
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NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
