Location
Crépy-en-Valois is 1 hour from Paris and 30 minutes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. Despite its proximity to the capital, the town is surrounded by the forests of Compiègne and Ermenonville, once the hunting grounds of the kings of France and now a favourite haunt of walkers and horse riders. The house is located in the medieval town centre. There are local shops and public services within walking distance, as well as the train station, where you can catch trains that take around 40 minutes to reach Paris.
Description
The residence
The ground floor
The entrance door opens onto the hallway that leads to the rooms on the ground floor, as well as the garden. The floor is tiled with black cabochons and the walls are made of rough-cut stone. On either side of the hall, there are two lounges with different atmospheres. One is very bright and features a grey veined marble Directoire-style fireplace with an overmantel mirror and painted panelling on half of the wall. In the other living room, tall green panelling and a moulded ceiling rose create a warm, refined atmosphere. In these two reception rooms, original straight parquet flooring and moulded ceilings add an extra touch of elegance. Extending on from the living rooms, a summer kitchen opens onto the garden, making it possible to prepare meals on the terrace. Opposite the summer kitchen there is a bedroom with a window that looks out onto the garden. Finally, the hall leads to the double-quarter-turn oak staircase, with a white-painted wrought-iron balustrade, which leads to the upper floors.
The first floor
This is the heart of the house, with all of the living areas coming off a central landing. Overlooking the square, the vast reception room is an airy space with tall, large-paned windows that allow light to flood in. It is traditionally divided into two interconnecting areas: the dining room, with its old hexagonal tiled floor and exposed beams, and a third lounge with English-style parquet flooring and a black marble fireplace. Opposite the dining room there is a kitchen with all of the appliances built into exotic wood units. Finally, a bedroom overlooking the garden with an adjoining bathroom completes the floor.
The second floor
Here too, a central landing leads to all of the rooms. It is decorated with an early 20th century white earthenware washbasin. The ground floor has three bedrooms, all with parquet flooring. Two toilets, one of which is private and only for use by the master bedroom, make life comfortable. A vast bathroom looking out onto the garden, with a clawfoot bathtub features wall decorations alternating between brick and bare stone.
The attic
An attic space is accessed via a flight of steps extending from the main staircase. With its high ridge, the space is ideal for conversion. The vaulted, ribbed cellars date back to the 14th century and are sure to delight lovers of old stone. With their vast surface area, they could be put to new uses.
The basement
The vaulted, ribbed cellars date back to the 14th century and are sure to delight lovers of old stone. With their vast surface area, they could be put to new uses.
The outbuilding
A modest building forming a wing which is perpendicular to the facade, it opens directly onto the garden. Currently used as a shed, it is built of stone and topped with a roof covered with small local tiles. It is a useful addition to any garden.
The garden
The garden is enclosed by thick stone walls, providing a sheltered, plant-filled atmosphere that is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood. Two terraces, one more suited to having drinks and the other for meals, allow you to enjoy the outdoors in good weather. In summer, the flowers add a splash of colour to the back of the garden, and a palm tree adds an exotic touch.
Our opinion
A town house that has retained all the charm of an old house, and its garden. A delightful haven of tranquillity to relax in. In excellent condition as it has recently been completely renovated. This vast residence could be used both for private family use and for an artistic or commercial project, in particular thanks to the rooms on the ground floor that could be used for a craft workshop, someone self-employed or perhaps bed and breakfast accommodation.
Reference 850235
Land registry surface area | 300 m2 |
Main building surface area | 250 m2 |
Number of bedrooms | 5 |
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.