A home designed by an architect to resemble a ship perched on a seawall, at the foot of a sand
dune with direct access to the sea, 25 minutes from Caen along the Pearl Coast within the Calvados department
dune with direct access to the sea, 25 minutes from Caen along the Pearl Coast within the Calvados department
Caen,
CALVADOS
lower-normandy
14000
FR
Location
Within the department of Calvados in the Normandy region and near the towns of Ouistreham and Caen, the house is part of a collection of remarkable villas dating, for the most part, from the end of the 19th century, which extend along the seashore for several kilometres until the neighbouring town of Lion-sur-Mer. Located in a small seaside resort town known for its protected and privately-owned seawall, the property has exclusive access to the latter, which is reserved solely for the houses built along the coast. In addition, the Caen-Carpiquet airport, which provides regular connections to Lyon and Nice, is 25 minutes away, while the train station in Caen with service to Paris in 2 hours, is 30 minutes away.
Description
Built in the 1970s by an architect who envisioned a house that resembled a boat perched on the edge of the sand dune, the villa stands out thanks to its original and contemporary look. With rectilinear lines and sharp angles, the house’s façade evokes a triangular sail, while the structure itself is made out of concrete and topped with a slate roof. Picture windows on the first floor have replaced the standard walls and unveil the horizon, making it feel as if you are in the cabin of a ship captain instead of a bedroom or office. A modest dirt path separates the house from the dune, followed by the sea, while a hiking trail, hidden behind the dune, makes it possible to hike and stroll along the seashore for several kilometres, all the while admiring the historical belle époque villas with typical Norman architecture.
Behind the house, a partially enclosed patio protected from the wind, sun and rain, provides breath-taking sea views. A spa with a shower, a six-seat Jacuzzi and an outdoor shower for post-sea plunges, the roof of which is a verdant canopy of mimosas, round out the exterior’s amenities. In addition, the garden is partially planted with decorative shrubs, while the garage is large enough to park both a car and a boat.
Behind the house, a partially enclosed patio protected from the wind, sun and rain, provides breath-taking sea views. A spa with a shower, a six-seat Jacuzzi and an outdoor shower for post-sea plunges, the roof of which is a verdant canopy of mimosas, round out the exterior’s amenities. In addition, the garden is partially planted with decorative shrubs, while the garage is large enough to park both a car and a boat.
The House
Built over two levels, the raised ground floor provides sea views for all of the living spaces, while the upstairs contains most of the bedrooms. With a picture window covering half of the villa, the rest of the house is punctuated by windows in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which are very narrow, which are meant to resemble those found on a boat.
The ground floor
The vast living room, asymmetrical in shape, provides sea views from every angle. Heated by a wood stove, the living room is adjacent to a bedroom, which also faces the sea. The kitchen with its verdant panorama directly gives onto the patio, while a staircase covered in hessian fabric and the hallway in the shape of a boat hull, provide a nautical touch. In addition, the curved shape of the ceiling and the porthole-shaped windows also add to the house’s overall seafaring feel.
The upstairs
With a total of five bedrooms, including three facing the sea to the west and northwest, this level also has direct access to the patio.
Our opinion
Although this one-of-a-kind villa, half house, half boat, is firmly anchored on dry land, it still gives the feeling of being out on the open sea. In addition, the proximity of the dune, the direct ocean access for the catamaran perched on the sand, the ever-present sight of the blue horizon, the dazzling views of the sunrises and sunsets from every corner of the house, the landscape that changes according to the tides and seasons, all contribute to making this architect-designed home into a truly remarkable place. Furthermore, the amenities created for the occupants’ well-being and comfort make it possible to savour precious moments together as a family or with friends, all the while contemplating the surrounding nature’s powerful beauty, free from all disturbances, both auditory and visual. Lastly, the seafront path, perfect for strolling, in addition to the activities and pastimes offered by the bustling neighbouring towns, complement the house’s overall charm and ideal location.
1 480 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 560963
| Land registry surface area | 1004 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 163 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.
