Villa Alicius, Historical villa in Hauterives, France.
Villa Alicius is a two-story residence in Hauterives with a rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding landscape. The building was constructed using lime concrete and is protected as a historical monument along with its adjoining structures, belvedere, and boundary fence.
The house was built in 1879 by Ferdinand Cheval following his retirement from postal work. Cheval shaped its architecture through his innovative use of lime concrete, creating a residence that reflected his distinctive artistic approach.
The villa bears the name of its original resident Alice and reflects the personal tastes of its builder. The inscriptions and decorative details show how Cheval used his home as a form of artistic expression.
The estate is protected in multiple sections including the main facades, roofs, belvedere, and fence systems that together form a comprehensive visiting area. Visitors should expect stairs and multiple levels when exploring the grounds.
Cheval chose the name Alice for the house as a tribute to his daughter, embedding a personal family connection into the architecture. This emotional link transformed his building project into more than just a technical experiment with innovative materials.
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