Villa Max

In the heart of Chelles, a charming commune in the Seine-et-Marne department of France, stands the enchanting Villa Max. This delightful residence, nestled adjacent to the bustling Place Gasnier-Guy and facing the Chelles railway station, exudes an old-world charm that transports visitors to a bygone era.

The Origins of Villa Max

The story of Villa Max begins in 1889, a time when Charles Baptiste Limoges envisioned a serene secondary residence away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The architectural design, though the architect’s name remains shrouded in mystery, is believed to be the handiwork of the general contractor Léon Éterlet, as per local oral tradition. The villa's name, Max, is thought to be derived from Maximilienne, the first name of Albert Gustave Deschamps' wife, who acquired the property with her husband in 1911.

In 2004, the municipality of Chelles expressed interest in acquiring this historic property, further cementing its significance in the local heritage.

Architectural Marvel

Villa Max is a quintessential example of the regionalist architectural style that was prevalent during the Third Republic in France. Constructed with meticulously laid stone rubble and lime mortar, the villa's façade is adorned with diamond-shaped brickwork and intricate plaster moldings that add a touch of elegance to its robust structure.

A prominent feature of the villa is its semi-detached square tower, which boasts a timber-framed structure on its top floor, filled with plastered masonry. The slate roof, restored in the autumn of 2015, is crowned with two finials connected by a zinc festoon and adorned with a weathervane, recreating the original design. The villa spans three habitable levels, including an attic floor, all built atop a full basement.

Inside, the neo-Gothic inspired decor of the ground floor has been impeccably preserved, with the staircase's faux red joint design being a notable highlight. Adding to the villa's charm is a bow window adorned with diamond-shaped stained glass, which forms a delightful protrusion near the entrance.

The Romantic Garden

The garden of Villa Max is a romantic haven designed in the Anglo-Chinese style, reminiscent of the Buttes-Chaumont park in Paris, inaugurated in 1867 and designed by Adolphe Alphand. This verdant sanctuary is home to a variety of endemic plant species, alongside two rare specimens in the Île-de-France region: a towering giant sequoia, likely a centenarian, and a majestic Atlas cedar standing approximately 15 meters tall, both adding to the garden's allure.

Although the garden is not regularly maintained, its natural beauty and historical significance remain undiminished.

Charming Garden Features

The garden is dotted with charming features that add to its whimsical character. Among these is a kiosk with a small hexagonal room on the ground floor and a terrace extended by a footbridge accessible via an external staircase. A faux rock exterior conceals a grotto, topped by a terrace that offers a panoramic view of the garden. This grotto once housed an artificial spring that fed a small stream and pond at its end.

The pond, fed by the stream, is a lively aquatic habitat, spanned by a rustic bridge made of reinforced cement. Other notable structures include an aviary with a hexagonal awning, a kennel or henhouse, and various sheds, whose original purposes remain a mystery. The aviary, perched on a rocky base, adds a touch of rustic charm to the garden.

Vénus or Diane au Bain

One of the garden's most captivating features is the statue of Vénus or Diane au Bain, a cement replica of Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain's marble masterpiece, now housed in the Louvre Museum. Commissioned in 1755, the plaster sketch was initially met with little acclaim, but the final work, completed in 1767, was enthusiastically received and gifted to Madame du Barry by King Louis XV, who placed it in the park of the Château de Louveciennes.

Villa Max is more than just a residence; it is a testament to the rich history and architectural elegance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its beautifully preserved interiors, enchanting garden, and charming features make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Chelles. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a lover of beautiful places, Villa Max promises a delightful journey back in time.