Explore
Ooh là là: French flair for sale in Kiwi cul-de-sac
Villa Carnot in Hamilton is described as the epitome of 19th century French chic.
If a house in France appeals but doesn’t quite fit your budget, Villa Carnot in Hamilton might be the next best thing.
The owner of the Flagstaff property, who preferred not to be named, built Villa Carnot in 2009, following a trip to Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera.
She said the house was inspired by an early 19th century-style villa in the chic resort town that had been repurposed as a visitor centre.
“It looked inviting and I wanted something different.”
The house was inspired by a historic villa in Saint-Tropez.
On a cul-de-sac off River Rd, the house was described by Lugtons real estate agent Kerry Hopper’s listing as a “European treasure”.
“Evoking a sense of elegance, charm, and understated luxury, this home has been built with the highest level of craftsmanship and blends classic European elements including plaster over a large clay brick exterior and modern functionality to give it an enchanting, timeless feel.”
Limewash over the peach-coloured plaster gave it a classic, aged appearance, appropriate to the style of the house.
Limewash over the plaster ensures a classic, aged appearance, enhancing the French villa aesthetic.
“If it’s an old style, then you can’t make it look new,” the owner explained. “Some look at it and say it needs plastering and painting. They obviously haven’t been to Europe.”
While the façade of the house had an early 1800s feel, inside was functional and modern, with an elevator easing accessibility throughout the two-storey home.
The kitchen cupboards shared the same aged look as the exterior, while Portuguese tiles created a Mediterranean flair to complement its French villa aesthetic.
Beneath the elm floorboards was a hydronic heating system, which the owner - who is in her 80s - said was so economical she kept it running 24/7 during winter. A 19th century-style open fireplace offered another heating option, as well as adding ambience.
“It’s an extremely warm home.”
The low-maintenance garden features vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
“French flair” extended to the garden, with raised vegetable beds and fruit trees - “enough to feed the household”. The large driveway was edged with terracotta tiles.
“It ties in with the house, with the architecture.”
The owner said she was selling “with great regret”, but an injury meant she needed to move closer to family.
Being in a cul-de-sac adds a feeling of privacy to La Villa Carnot.
The perfect buyer?
“Someone who’s been to the South of France and understands the architecture.”
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house had a CV of $1.175 million and was being sold by negotiation.
Author
Advice & Tools
Search
Other articles you might like
