Was it fate or chance that brought us to Villa Gabrielle? This elegant building whispers tales of transformation. It stands as a testament to Lille’s rich history.
Villa Gabrielle began as a country house. Wealthy bourgeois from Lille built it around 1750 in the village of Annappes. Today, Annappes is part of Villeneuve-d’Ascq. Imagine horse-drawn carriages arriving. The owners were escaping the city for the peace of the countryside.
However, tranquility was not to last. The French Revolution brought damage to Villa Gabrielle. The once-grand house suffered during this turbulent time.
In 1801, the de Brigode family acquired the property. The Villa Gabrielle entered a new chapter. Then, in 1856, François Adrien de Brigode made a significant change. Following the death of his sister, Marie Gabrielle, he transformed the villa. It became a hospice for the elderly, named in her memory.
The Filles de la Charité de Saint-Vincent de Paul, a Catholic congregation, managed the hospice. They provided care for the residents. The Villa Gabrielle became a haven for those in need. Different religious congregations served here until 1975. The site also served as a place of education.
Noémi de Brigode, François-Adrien’s sister, expanded the site in 1873. She built an “ouvroir” next to the hospice. Textile industrialists employed young women from the region. They worked under the supervision of the nuns. Sadly, the “ouvroir” closed in the late 1930s and was demolished in 1973.
A chapel was added to the rear of the building in 1878. Noémi de Brigode commissioned it. This chapel was unfortunately destroyed in 1991 during renovations.
Ownership of Villa Gabrielle changed hands several times in the later 20th century. Geoffroy de Montalembert donated it to the Congregation du Sauveur in 1965. In 1981, Rotary International bought it. The Communauté urbaine de Lille acquired it in 1986. Finally, in 1988, it became the property of the city of Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
In 1986, Villa Gabrielle was listed as a historic monument. This recognized its architectural and historical importance. A fire damaged the villa in 1989. The city services restored it. Since 1997, the Centre communal d’action sociale, or CCAS, has occupied Villa Gabrielle.
Take a closer look at the architecture of Villa Gabrielle. The building showcases a classic style. It has been listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments since 1986. The listing includes its facades, roofs, entrance gate, and boundary wall.
Notice the two main sections. There’s the left wing, a remnant of a former farm. And then there’s the main building. The main building presents a rather urban appearance. Its French style is evident. The Villa Gabrielle’s base is made of sandstone. The brickwork contrasts with white stone accents. This reflects the polychromy of 17th-century architecture.
The facades each have nine bays. A slight projection accentuates the central three bays. An oval oculus adorns a wide pediment. Arched windows decorate the bays. A spacious terrace has been added to the rear during restoration. This extends into a monastic-style garden.
Behind Villa Gabrielle, discover the public garden. This garden features medicinal plants and fruit trees. It provides a tranquil space for reflection. Explanatory panels in Braille make it accessible to all. The garden offers a peaceful retreat. It serves as a reminder of the villa’s history as a place of care.
Villa Gabrielle stands as a proud symbol of Villeneuve-d’Ascq. It embodies resilience and adaptation. From country house to hospice to community center, it has served the people. It’s a place where history and community intertwine.