A theatrical home signed Philippe Starck

Located in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a short distance from Paris, this fine property built in 1987 is Philippe Starck’s first creation. A work of art, an architectural gem, an iconic building… Words of praise flow easily when describing this house offering an unconventional life-style.

Firstly, there’s the environment, sheltered from the hubbub of city life, the Saint-Germain island in Issy-les-Moulineaux whose landscaped banks provide a setting steeped in quietness and natural greenery. On a plot of land facing due south to the Seine, this very tall building catches you by surprise. From its entrance on the street side, it reveals nothing at all. It is only after mounting the stairs to the first floor that the house unveils its splendour and astonishing volumes. On this floor, a bedroom with a shower room and toilet is reserved for guests. Further on, an open kitchen in Spanish marble prolongs a vast lounge with two picture windows overlooking the garden, a sublime outdoor area of 175 m2, running down to the Seine with a private pontoon giving direct access to the riverbanks. Between light and concrete in pastel shades, the lounge is theatrically framed by two columns and two staircases recalling an ancient temple and leading to the mezzanine. Here, a study area all in glass and transparency seems to hang in space, opposite the vast window. A dining-room, study and master suite with a large walk-in closet have also elected domicile here. On this level, natural daylight again claims the star role, inviting itself in all majesty through a floor-to-ceiling window. Rather like a movie set, the bedroom treats itself to the loveliest view in the house of the Seine and houseboats, while the sky extends and voluptuously caresses the space… Unusual perspectives, extremely surprising in this very vertical building.

A few steps further on, the ground floor is given over to a self-contained apartment, made to measure, with its lounge opening towards the street side, its small kitchen and two bedrooms. Two bathrooms, a toilet and laundry room complete this beautifully designed space.

A soothing cocoon of greenery, crowned by its pretty vine trellis. A garden to be lived in, where you benefit from your very own outdoors, ideal for meditation.

A soothing cocoon of greenery, crowned by its pretty vine trellis. A garden to be lived in, where you benefit from your very own outdoors, ideal for meditation.

Waxed concrete and mineral colours give the living rooms a velvety atmosphere while the furnishings with their pure lines set off the volumes and high ceilings. Light adds another touch of spirituality to this house, which gives the star role to its monumental staircase.

Waxed concrete and mineral colours give the living rooms a velvety atmosphere while the furnishings with their pure lines set off the volumes and high ceilings. Light adds another touch of spirituality to this house, which gives the star role to its monumental staircase.

Throughout its entire living space of 350 m2, this property on a plot of land offering a sunny outlook unfurls unique esthetics signed by the talented Philippe Starck. With its extra-large volumes, columns and symmetry all perfectly staged, this theatrical home guarantees outstanding comfort with its vast garden and private pontoon.

Throughout its entire living space of 350 m2, this property on a plot of land offering a sunny outlook unfurls unique esthetics signed by the talented Philippe Starck. With its extra-large volumes, columns and symmetry all perfectly staged, this theatrical home guarantees outstanding comfort with its vast garden and private pontoon.

And everywhere, the imprint of Starck, from the hand-basins to the light switches, but also in the plays of light and shade that cast their spell on the atmosphere of this house nicknamed “the two-faced Sphinx”. The current owner touts the many symbols present between these four walls, the four elements which graciously co-exist here, but also the insular climate that reigns in this residential neighbourhood where everyone knows each other, where you can do your shopping on foot... What does he enjoy most ? Setting off with his children in his canoe, letting it follow the flow of the river, and benefiting from an excursion in the countryside, as if he had left for a weekend in the country, far from Paris.

“This property is a little island of peacefulness and serenity, highly atypical, as well as an architectural masterpiece benefiting from a strategic location close to the centre of Paris and the motorways,” says Guillaume Akoun, who is handling the property. “I think it will appeal to very few people, though if it does, it will touch the heart, like a painting or sculpture. It can only be a matter of love at first sight, there are no half-measures with this house !”

On sale 3.500.000 € by Akoun Propriétés, 27/29 rue Saint-Louis en l’île, Paris 4 (01 43 29 49 06).