Consider this: A celebrated scientist sought refuge here to think and write. That place is Domaine de Vert-Mont. This estate stands as a testament to intellect, philanthropy, and historical significance.
Domaine de Vert-Mont is located in Rueil-Malmaison. It is only 15 minutes from Paris. It is also near the business district of La Défense. The estate has a rich history. It was once the residence of Empress Joséphine. She lived here for over ten years in the early 19th century.
Gustave d’Eichthal founded Domaine de Vert-Mont in 1855. He was a Saint-Simonian intellectual. He was also a scientist and philosopher. D’Eichthal built his country house here. He used it as a retreat for reflection and writing. From 1857, he added common areas. These included a stable for four horses. He also added the “pavilion of the coachman”. The pavilion is a prime example of the picturesque style. It was popular during the Second Empire.
Victor Delacroix acquired Vert-Mont in 1867. He was the director of a large Parisian department store. Delacroix enhanced the estate. The stable was enlarged. An orangery was created. This delicate pavilion was for leisure. Its large windows used wood and metal frames. The zinc roof was hidden behind an openwork balustrade. It was adorned with Medici vases.
The Domaine de Vert-Mont continued to attract extraordinary people. Edward Tuck and Julia Stell made it their secondary residence in 1898. They were great American philanthropists and Francophiles. Edward’s death in 1938 marked the beginning of its decline.
In 1992, Vert-Mont was donated to the Tuck Foundation. This foundation perpetuates Tuck’s vision. He wanted it to be a place for scientific gatherings. The chateau was partially restored from 1994 to 2008.
The Tuck Foundation was established in 1990. It aims to foster international cooperation. This cooperation focuses on education and research. The fields are energy and sustainable development. Restoring the common areas will help. They will accommodate students and researchers. They can stay during training at the chateau. It will provide new reception capacities for private events. The public can attend cultural events.
The park of Domaine de Vert-Mont has been listed as a historical monument since 1994.
The restoration project began in the first half of 2022. It aims to restore the interior and exterior of the estate. Currently, it is in poor condition. The orangery, coachman’s pavilion, and stables are in very bad shape. They risk rapid ruin if nothing is done quickly. The orangery’s roof is partially open. The first phase focuses on making the buildings watertight. This includes the orangery, stables, and coachman’s pavilion. This will help preserve the structures. The interior renovation of the coachman’s pavilion and stables will follow. The orangery’s interior will be restored to open the space to the public. The work is scheduled to finish by the end of 2023.
Visiting Domaine de Vert-Mont offers a unique glimpse. It shows into the lives of influential figures. It also highlights architectural styles. The site embodies France’s rich cultural heritage. Its ongoing restoration promises a vibrant future. It ensures its legacy endures for generations.