Villa Castel Val

Journey back to the early 1900s. Picture the picturesque town of Auvers-sur-Oise. Here, nestled against a hillside, stands Villa Castel Val. Commissioned by Louis Chanut, the brother-in-law of Hector Guimard’s friend Léon Nozal, Villa Castel Val showcases Guimard’s distinctive Art Nouveau style. The villa was designed between 1902 and 1903. It’s a testament to Guimard’s mature architectural vision. The design integrates the villa seamlessly with its surroundings. Built against the slope and unfolding like a fan, Villa Castel Val commands a breathtaking view of the Oise River. The metallic structure, partially exposed, creates a striking contrast with the brick, limestone rubble, ironwork, and tile. Guimard also designed other buildings for the Chanut family, a testament to their patronage. These include a townhouse in Paris, a seaside villa in Cabourg, a funerary monument, and even a factory in Saint-Denis. The villa boasts a unique rounded shape, reminiscent of a snail shell. This unusual form might be a playful nod to the owners’ pet monkey. The monkey, dressed and affectionately called “Mademoiselle,” resided with the Chanut family at the villa. Inside, Villa Castel Val presents a labyrinthine layout with multiple doors and hidden passages. This reflects the structure being built into the hillside, offering access to the exterior from each floor. A central, double-revolution staircase adds to the villa’s unique charm. Over the years, Villa Castel Val faced periods of decline. It was eventually purchased by Mr. Plescoff in 1993 and later inherited by his son, Jean-Marc. While the original stained glass has been preserved, some elements of the villa have been removed. You can find traces of Villa Castel Val in other places. For instance, one of the original pathways is now in a museum in Philadelphia. Furniture designed by Guimard for the villa now graces a museum in Lyon. Even the Musée d’Orsay houses an armchair that once belonged to Villa Castel Val. Despite these changes, the villa stands as a unique example of Art Nouveau architecture. It serves as a reminder of a time when art and architecture were intertwined.