Brimming with light, impeccably furnished, visually striking, superbly located, and so so Parisian - all apt labels for this perfectly turned little apartment (52m2, about 550 sq. ') on the rue de Grenelle in one of the city's most desirable quartiers. Modern Parisian chic takes its place here alongside classic French décor to produce a jewel that is perfect for a couple. This privately owned property, a pied-à-terre used occasionally by its European owners, has been made available exclusively to JUST FRANCE for discriminating visitors who prefer to enjoy Paris in a manner unavailable to most short-term visitors.
First, the location. The apartment is situated on the rue de Grenelle, one of Paris' classiest and most historic streets, midway between the elegant boulevard Raspail and the lively and unfailingly colorful rue du Bac. Rue du Bac is thronged with shops offering everything from florists and food merchants (including an excellent bakery and one of Paris' most famed chocolatiers to shops selling exquisite specialty items that would fill any man's or woman's birthday wish list. Less than two minutes away by foot are a Métro stop (Rue du Bac), a discretely concealed public garage and a bank with a distributeur de billets (ATM machine). Equally close is boulevard Saint-Germain, the tree-lined avenue that traverses the three Left Bank arrondissements (5th, 6th and 7th) that lie along the Seine. Restaurants, salons de thé and cafés abound. And if you would like to pay a tidy sum to purchase the world's finest portable corkscrew (sommelier style, complete with bone handle), the shop immediately next door will be happy to accommodate.
The apartment building, a well-maintained and perfect example of classic 19th-century Parisian architecture, is oriented south and thus positioned to receive abundant afternoon light. The building has a digicode entrance and attractively appointed lobby. Directly opposite is a neoclassical style building with a fountain whose gushing waters are especially pretty when they sparkle in the sunshine.
The apartment is on the second (French) floor, and is reached by a well-illuminated wood staircase with a sturdy railing. The entry into the apartment is striking, with an immediate impression of brightness and clean, clear lines throughout.
To the left of the entrance is a commodious dining area with en elegant round table and chairs for four. To the right is the state-of-the-art kitchen, beautifully lighted and separated from the dining area by a tall marble counter. Immediately ahead, through a door that opens from the dining area, is the living room with its ultra-tall ceilings and, on the far end of the room, an enormous window that looks onto the rue de Grenelle. To the right, a similar line of sight leads to the bedroom, which also has tall ceilings and an equally large window overlooking the street. In the hallway between the kitchen-dining area and the bedroom is a full bath.
In brief, the floor plan is rectangular in shape, with the bottom third of the rectangle (where the entry is) comprised of the kitchen and dining area, and the other two-thirds bisected by a wall, with the living room on the left, and the bedroom and bath on the right.
The apartment has been professionally decorated, and emphasizes rich woody tones and warm colors against a white background. The abundant natural light is supplemented throughout by strategically placed overhead lights. The overall decorative scheme reflects the taste of its owners, who incline toward traditional furnishings supported by luxurious modern appointments.
In the living room, framed by the tall window overlooking rue de Grenelle, is a plush sofa upholstered in a light-colored linen. On the opposite wall is an antique cabinet of fine polished wood. Other furnishings include an armchair, a circular table with a color television, and side tables with lamps for reading. A gilded mirror above a fireplace mantle of polished black marble, traditional prints and other tasteful wall ornamentation add the final touches of color and warmth to this room.
A door connects the living room and bedroom. Here one entire long wall is comprised of closets that have been custom-built from fine woods to flank the white marble fireplace (in conformity with Parisian law, neither this nor the fireplace in the living room function). Guests have the option of two large single beds or a king-sized bed. Double-pane glass virtually eliminates outside noise. As in the living room, the walls are covered in a lovely white fabric with a subtlety textured surface, and long, luxuriant drapes frame the wide floor-to-ceiling windows.
Continuing the theme of blending traditional décor with contemporary comforts, the black-and-white marble bathroom is a study in modernity, commodious and fitted out with the latest in gleaming porcelain and chrome fixtures. The full-sized tub has an overhead shower in the shape of a sunflower; when pulled in from the wall, a glass door on hinges wraps around to form a kind of stall shower within the tub. Around the vanity are a full mirror and ample shelf space, and the entire room is brilliantly lighted by overhead recessed lights. Another excellent feature - not to be overlooked - is the abundance of hot water and the fact that the water gushes, not dribbles, from the faucets.
The kitchen will be a delight to any cook: a four-burner halogen electric stove, full oven, microwave oven, undercounter refrigerator with freezer compartment, food processor, coffeemaker, electric kettle. The counters, overlain with thick marble in a mottled beige color, are wide, deep and well lighted. The high counter separating the kitchen and dining area is fashioned so that during meals guests cannot see work areas in the kitchen. There is no dishwasher, and the possibility of having a compact one was sacrificed to allow more room for a generous assortment of good crockery and stemware, and a full array of top-quality non-stick cookware.
The dining area is pleasant in the morning, when light streams in from the northeast-facing courtyard. It is especially cozy and inviting in the evening, when the soft overhead light reflects off two tall glass cabinets filled with ceramics and various wine artifacts. The round dining table offers plenty of space for four, and can accommodate up to six.
The exceptional value of this stylish and thoroughly agreeable apartment is dramatically illustrated by comparing rates with the nearby Hôtel Montalembert, one of the Left Bank's most celebrated addresses. This apartment offers more luxurious and far more spacious lodgings, not to mention two separate phone lines and the possibility of entertaining friends for cocktails or dinner, at far less cost. All of this beckons in a neighborhood that honestly reflects the history, vitality and charm of modern Paris.
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