“A stylish house not too expensive” That was Sander Pierron’s request to his friend Victor Horta. Before us stands the Sander Pierron House a testament to that seemingly simple brief. Built in 1903 this Art Nouveau gem is located at 157 Rue de l’Aqueduc in Ixelles. It’s a masterpiece of understated elegance. Horta’s usual grandeur is subtly present. He was constrained by Pierron’s budget. He had to simplify his forms. He also had to limit his material choices.
The Sander Pierron House is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a window into the life of Sander Pierron a prominent Brussels writer journalist and art critic. Imagine Pierron working in his airy second-floor bay window. That space was once his studio. He likely spent many hours there. He likely contemplated his next article. He might have looked out at the garden.
Horta’s ingenuity shines through. The red brick facade is embellished with polychrome brickwork. This was a first for Horta. He used bluestone subtly around the door and windows. The result is both elegant and discreet. The interior is equally refined. It’s described as practical and refined. The house features a basement kitchen. Spacious living rooms open onto the garden. A hidden mezzanine holds a double door. It’s adorned with Tiffany glass. It also has Art Nouveau hardware. A beautiful wooden staircase leads to the upper floors. The main suite is on the first floor. The second floor Pierron’s studio includes a suite with a bathroom and dressing room. Two guest bedrooms and another bathroom are on the third floor.
Notice the details. The gilded metal railings are original. So are the marble paneling the mahogany staircase. The pine furniture is also original. Even the marble mosaic floors remain. Many original period features were preserved. These features show the high quality of the construction. The Sander Pierron House was listed in 1998. Its perfectly preserved facades layout and furniture were key to this listing. This amazing house continues to capture the spirit of Art Nouveau. It also demonstrates Horta’s adaptability. The house speaks to the collaboration between artist and patron. It’s a legacy of friendship. It’s a legacy of architectural excellence. The Sander Pierron House. A true gem of Brussels.