Maison à pondalez, 15th century timber house in Morlaix, France.
Maison à Pondalez is a 15th century merchant house built with timber framing and multiple stories that expand upward. Inside, a spiral staircase connects the levels, while a granite fireplace and central light shaft organize the interior spaces.
The house was built in the 15th century by successful linen merchants who accumulated wealth through textile trade. The design with widening upper floors was a practical solution to reduce ground-level tax payments while creating more storage space.
The house shows how wealthy merchants lived and worked in Morlaix during their time. The way rooms are arranged tells a story of their business life and local importance.
The house is normally accessed only through guided visits, as it is not open to casual visitors at any time. You should contact the Morlaix tourist office beforehand to arrange a tour at a suitable time.
The street-facing facade is surprisingly narrow, but the building widens significantly toward the back where a central courtyard allows light to reach all floors. This inner courtyard, called a lanterne, was a clever architectural solution that kept every level bright and practical for work.
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