Hidden amongst the bustling streets of Lille lies Croix a town steeped in history. Its story unfolds not in grand castles but in the quiet perseverance of its people. Croix was a small village a mere speck on the map. Then in the late 19th century the textile industry arrived. Wealthy entrepreneurs and industrialists transformed the landscape. They built grand homes lining the tree-lined avenues. One such home Villa Cavrois stands as a testament to that era. Designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens it’s a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Its yellow brick facade is striking. The clean lines and large glass surfaces are captivating. Yet the villa’s design subtly references traditional French chateaux. A large central hall connects symmetrical wings for the family and servants.
The interior is equally impressive. Each room is curated with specific materials and colours. This reflects the psychology of its bourgeois inhabitants. Art Deco De Stijl Vienna Secession and Bauhaus movements all find expression here. Mallet-Stevens iconic clock is a recurring motif. Luxurious materials like marble and wood are employed. State-of-the-art technology for the time was integrated. Electric lighting a modern boiler room and a telephone in every room were luxuries.
The double-height parlour is the heart of the villa. It’s where the Cavrois family hosted lavish gatherings. Soft light floods the room through sweeping windows. The view of the gardens is breathtaking. A mezzanine overlooks the space. A sliding door leads to a dining room clad in green marble and black lacquered wood. The kitchen is a striking contrast. It’s stark white and sterile. This showcases Mallet-Stevens focus on hygiene. Ceramic tiles and enamelled steel furniture create a practical and easy-to-clean space.
Beyond Villa Cavrois Croix boasts other architectural gems. The Chateau de la Fontaine with its 17th-century origins stands as a reminder of the town’s earlier history. The Church of Saint-Martin built in 1848 displays Neo-Gothic style. Its red brick exterior belies a stunning renovated interior. Cobalt blue burgundy and beige create a rich colour palette.
But Croix is more than its buildings. Its history is woven into the lives of its residents. Isaac Holden a British industrialist established a wool combing factory. This brought economic prosperity but also challenges. The town’s growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries was dramatic. It went from a small village to a thriving suburb of Lille. The impact of the world wars industrial revolution and changing social attitudes shaped its character. The stories of the people who lived and worked in Croix are waiting to be discovered. Each street each building holds a fragment of the past. This is Croix a place where history and modernity intertwine. A place you will remember.