Thursday, May 1, 2014

Renovations at Josephine Baker's Villa Le Beau Chêne

For those of you in France, Happy Labor Day!

On Monday, I met Philippe Baudry, owner of Le Beau Chêne, to get an update on the renovations being undertaken on the former home of Josephine Baker. While waiting for him to arrive, I was allowed to roam the mansion and the grounds at my leisure.

Work is being performed on the property seven days a week.

Inside, the electricity and plumbing have been completely replaced. Walls are freshly painted white, new radiators are in place, and the woodwork on the interior doors and balustrade has been stripped.

The foyer - front door (right) and door to office
© Discover Paris!


The foyer - staircase
© Discover Paris!


Alcove with fountain
© Discover Paris!


Fireplace 
© Discover Paris!


View from the 1st floor above the foyer
© Discover Paris!

On the first floor (second floor by U.S. standards), Josephine's marble bathroom remains largely intact.

Josephine's marble and silver-plated tub
© Discover Paris!


Marble face basin
© Discover Paris!



Much progress has been made on the lawn.

View of the grounds from the marble bathroom
© Discover Paris!


Rivulet and the rear of the house
© Discover Paris!


However, the area where Josephine had her vegetable gardens and greenhouses is still overgrown.

Gardens
© Discover Paris!


Large greenhouse
© Discover Paris!


Small greenhouse
© Discover Paris!

Baudry anticipates that the landscape work will be complete by year's end.

The guardian's house next to the front gate is being restored...

Guardian's house
© Discover Paris!

...but there are no signs that work is being done on the stable or the garage.

Stable
© Discover Paris!


Stable
© Discover Paris!

Baudry's intent is to have the villa and grounds inscribed on the list of historic monuments in France. The process will take a minimum of 18 months. When this is accomplished, the grounds will be open to the public at least 40 days a year.

Happily, Discover Paris! clients will not need to wait this long to visit the property! For information on arranging a private visit, contact us at .

************


Entrée to Black Paris!™ is a Discover Paris! blog.

If you like this posting, share it with your friends by using one of the social media links below!

No comments: