Location
The Roquette district of Paris’ 11th arrondissement links Place-de-la-Bastille and Rue-du-Faubourg-Saint-Antoine with Père-Lachaise cemetery. This once working-class district is now one of the most festive and artistic in the French capital, where night-owls and arts enthusiasts meet. Galleries and trendy boutiques follow theatres and concert halls. The district is also sought-after by the younger working and creative population courtesy of the old workers’ housing and 19th century factories converted into art studios, exhibition halls and co-working areas. This open-plan flat is in a quiet street just a stone’s throw from the Parisian hustle and bustle as well as the shops. Several underground stations such as Philippe-Auguste and Voltaire (lines 2 and 9) are but a 3-minute walk away. Bastille is 5 minutes away by bicycle or electric scooter.
Description
The old factory
Out of sight of the street, this old, early 20th century foundry, recognisable because of its tall brick chimney, comes into view at the end of a paved courtyard, behind the classical facade of a working-class building dating from the 1900’s. It is accessed by going through the building’s carriage gates and crossing its porch. Some 20 years ago, the factory was divided into several lots, most of which have been transformed into open-plan flats.
The open-plan flat
The total floor surface area of this open-plan flat is 221 m². It comprises 146.5 m² of living space (when measured in keeping with the French Carrez law), to which can be added the 50 m² basement area. The main, immense, 70 m² room on the ground floor provides access, on one side, to a vestibule with a guest toilet and, on the other side, to a fully fitted, open-plan kitchen. The wooden counter, creating a natural separation from the main room, adjoins the foundry’s old brick chimney. At the other end, under the outstanding metal roofing framework and the 5.5 m high ceiling, is a lounge area and a section laid out as a dining room. Copious amounts of light flood in through the high, partially sawtooth-shaped picture windows, typical of factories in the early 20th century. The polished concrete flooring further reinforces the industrial air of this open-plan flat.
At the end, the second section of the flat partially opens on to the reception area. It comprises a lounge-library, a vast storage area and a shower room, with a wash-hand basin, a round walk-in shower and a toilet. There is also room to install a bath. Further on, an open metal stairway goes to the upper level. It leads to a landing, also metal, which provides access on either side to two bright bedrooms, illuminated via high windows.
A stairway goes down to the basement. The latter is laid out as a 50 m² room, with a 3.15 m high ceiling, where the brick chimney begins. Currently in use as a multi-purpose room, this area could house an artist’s studio, an exhibition room or even a small private concert hall. Central heating has been installed.
Our opinion
François-Michelin once said “Factories are modern day cathedrals”. In this district where industrial heritage has been converted for those with free, creative spirits, this open-plan flat, spacious and airy, luminous and plain, is the epitome of this saying. The rooms have the advantage of immensity where it is possible to lay out areas in keeping with one’s own personal wishes, creating a unique, original home. Consequently, this old factory could equally well be used for living space or for mixed purposes, with the possibility of turning the basement into an artist’s studio, an exercise room or even a small theatre.
Reference 497623
Reception area | 70 m2 |
Ceiling height | 5.5 |
Living space | 221.5 m2 |
Number of rooms | 5 |
Number of bedrooms | 2 |
Cellar | |
Annual average amount of the proportionate share of expenses | 3600 € |
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.