Today, Saturday, we travelled by train to the town of Poissy which is a far suburb of Paris. I guess it is about 40km from the centre. These days it is a short trip by electric train which flies along, almost silently. But back in the 1920's and 30's it was just the place to have your country residence, if you could afford it. Monsieur Pierre Savoye was in banking and insurance so, obviously, he could afford it and Madame Savoye, who had a bit of flair, commissioned the architect Le Corbusier to design and build the house on land she and her husband already owned, overlooking the Seine at Poissy.
Well! What a house! You'll have to like architecture to enjoy these pictures. Tune out now if you find square, white houses boring.
As you look at these pictures you have to keep reminding yourself that this house was started in 1927 and completed in 1930! That is nearly 85 years ago!
This is the drive way. I'm in love already..... gravel and trees..........
And you come around the bend ....... and WOW!
And wow! again. This is 1930.
It was 7 euros each for admission ($10 AUD). We stayed for hours.
This is the patio level looking towards the living room (main salon). The sun deck or solarium level is above.
Up to the third level which is the solarium or sun trap level looking down on the patio to the bedroom wing.
This spiral staircase goes from the roof deck to the cellar.
As well as a spiral staircase it has ramps between all levels.
This is the ensuite to bedroom 3 (a guest bedroom). The toilet is separate.
Bedroom 3 with built in cupboards and wardrobe (out of picture)
Bathroom for bedroom 2 (The son's area). Toilet separate.
Son's bedroom with study desk under windows, built in robes and cupboards
Part of the huge kitchen. Three sinks in total and its own little terrace. Fully tiled in white tiles.
And the grand salon! Apparently the colours are original for the time. It was repainted in 1935 under Le Corbusier's direction. The floor is 6 x 6 inch terracotta tiles. The glass wall is two huge glass panels, one of which slides back over the other.... and this is 1930!
Paul and I were critical of the staff as they appeared to do nothing to optimise the few pieces of Le Corbusier furniture in the salon, or to water the plants on the patio. But you are allowed to sit in the chairs which is a winner. They were ssssooooooo comfortable.
End Part 1.
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