SPECIAL EDITION: A Bijou Studio Apartment in the Oldest Building in Paris for Sale!

Properties like this come available once in a lifetime. I first came to know the building in the summer of 2010, when one of our best real estate agents called to ask, “How would you like to be the first to see an apartment for sale in one of the oldest buildings in Paris?” (There are three buildings that make this claim.*) Naturally, not only did I agree, but I RAN to meet him at 11-13, rue François Miron. The middle-aged structures stand out from the adjacent architecture and reek of old-world charm. They are impossible to miss and tourists stop to regard them every few minutes all day long.

“At the very center of the Old Paris, these houses have been estimated to date from the 15th-16th century. These timber or timber-framed houses are of the style of Paris during the Middle Ages. The structure is of wood, composed of solid wood beams and pillars often carved out of one tree. The walls have afterwards been completed by filling the gaps between the structure with     unbaked bricks, plaster or cob. After the 1666 London fire, Louis the 14th imposed a rule to coat with plaster all facades in order to avoid, or limit the propagation of a potential fire. The wood has thus been covered for several centuries before being uncovered some time in the 20th century. These houses have been transformed many times, notably in 1966 by the architect R.Hermann.” (patrimap.paris.fr/en-US/curiosities/)

Inside these famous 15th-century half-timbered houses, which were two combined to make one apartment building, the hallways had been modernized and an elevator added. The apartment, a studio of a mere 15 square meters (161.5 square feet) on the second floor (European, therefore two flights up), has exposed beams and half-timbered walls.

Completely transformed only three years ago by Interior Architect Martine di Mattéo, this “bijou” lacks nothing and while furnished contemporary in style, is still oozing with old-world charm. Located on the second floor of this centuries-old building (yes, with an elevator!) just steps from the Hôtel de Ville and the River Seine, it has one big window overlooking the courtyard (quiet and peaceful), beautiful exposed beams and every amenity you would need or want for a few days, weeks, months or a lifetime. In other words, it makes a perfect “pied-à-terre” and vacation rental.

As you enter, you will see the room reflected in the mirrored doors of a large closet providing ample storage. At the window is a round glass and chrome dining table with two chairs which are illuminated by a fun and fanciful chandelier. Opposite the bed is a television and entertainment center. This professionally designed space has a new and comfortable queen-sized bed that can be made up as twins.

The elegant gilded, but very efficient kitchen is equipped with refrigerator, washer/dryer, sink, combination oven, two-burner stove, coffee-maker, toaster, kettle and a myriad of cooking implements. Of course, all cookware, plates, glasses and cutlery are also provided. The luxurious and spacious bathroom offers a glass shower, large sink with vanity, heated towel rack and toilet.

All furnishings come with the apartment, so there is nothing for you to do, but walk in with your belongings and settle right in. It’s absolutely ready for immediate rental.

This very special apartment is in one of the city’s best locations – steps from the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), the River Seine, all of Le Marais and has immediate access to the St. Paul Métro and many bus routes. Within easy walking distance is Place de la Bastille, the Ile Saint-Louis, Notre Dame, the Left Bank and most of Paris’ finest museums. Métro access is at St. Paul (#1), Hôtel de Ville (#1, #11), Bastille (#1, #8, #5) and a myriad of buses are nearby: numbers 67, 69, 70, 72, 74, 96.

The apartment is equipped with…

•    Digicode, intercom entry system
•    “Tomette” tile floors throughout
•    Queen-size bed that can be made as twins
•    Large clothing closet with drawers
•    Flat screen T.V.
•    Dining table for 2 people
•    Refrigerator with freezer
•    Two-burner electric stovetop
•    Microwave oven
•    A complete array of kitchenware
•    Electric coffee maker
•    Electric tea kettle
•    Toaster
•    Plenty of bed linens, hand, bath and kitchen towels
•    Hair dryer, iron, and ironing board
•    Radio alarm clock
•    DVD player

And more…valued at over €10,000!!!

The cost of ownership is quite low — electricity bills are about €100 a month, building maintenance charges are about €1,200 per year and annual property taxes total about €650 per year.

Asking price, including all furnishings and agency fees: €300,000

This apartment is going to sell very quickly! I suggest you contact me immediately! The first to respond will be the “early bird who catches the worm!” Email me at: [email protected].

A la prochaine…

Adrian Leeds
Adrian Leeds Group

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