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Wild and consumed by nature, like a scene described by Dickens in Great Expectations – an estate frozen in time, fit for the reclusive Miss Havisham herself – a “country house” in the centre of the city, surrounded by Paris’ most coveted real estate, will go up for sale this week at auction.
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In a neighbourhood dominated by designer shops and luxury hotels, just a five minute walk from the LVMH-owned Bon Marché department store and overlooking Yves Saint Laurent’s former home, it’s a 2,000 m2 property that seems impossible for Paris’ 21st real estate market.
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The rare pearl that is 12, rue Oudinot in the 7th arrondissement, has long been a place of mystery for neighbouring residents, its facade sealed and walled-up from the street. Left to deteriorate for at least two decades, last in use as a collective of artist ateliers and artisanal workshops, the property will be put up for auction with a starting bid of 6 million euros on January 23rd at the Palais de Justice. The good news is, whoever buys it is obligated to restore the vast estate “identically” to its former romantic style.
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Prestigious real estate agency Daniel Féau will be handling the sale. The two-story building itself spans 1,500 m², surrounded by cobblestone courtyards and several overgrown gardens with winding pathways and century-old trees.
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A monumental task no doubt, one that comes along once in a lifetime – the results of which we impatiently await. Stay tuned for more.
Update: The property sold for 38.5 million euros in under 5 minutes. The buyer is still unknown.
Images courtesy of Daniel Féau.