Castel Val, Art Nouveau house in Auvers-sur-Oise, France
Castel Val is a residential villa in Auvers-sur-Oise built with yellow and red brick facades, ornamental ironwork, and a distinctive double spiral staircase at its core. The property includes protected gardens and boundary walls that have been designated as historical monuments since 2006.
The villa was designed and built by architect Hector Guimard between 1903 and 1904 for resident Louis Chanut, who had connections to industrialist Leon Nozal. This construction stands as one of Guimard's villa projects created beyond Paris's central areas.
The residence demonstrates Art Nouveau principles through its organic curves and decorative ironwork, which represented a shift in how French homes were designed. The patterned brick facades and flowing architectural lines make these design choices visible from the street, showing how this artistic movement shaped everyday residential spaces.
The house sits on Rue des Meulières and is easily recognizable from the street by its distinctive brick and iron details. Visitors should note that the protected gardens may not always be open to the public, so advance planning is recommended.
The residence contains numerous hidden passages and secret doors that allow access to outdoor spaces from different floors. These concealed features reveal how Guimard merged practical needs with artistic expression in the home's design.
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