In the prestigious Avenue Junot, this 1920s Art Deco mansion, once owned by composer André Mauprey, has been reborn as a surrealist haven with the most luxurious of amenities.
On the heights of the Montmartre hill, a step away from the tourist buzz, there is an exceptional villa combining musical history with a contemporary renaissance. This 1920 Art Deco villa has just been restored to its former glory by the Claves agency, under the leadership of Iconic House, for their first mission in the French capital.
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An iconic rebirth
Brothers Robin Michel and Thibaud Elzière, founders of Iconic House, saw the exceptional potential of this property for what it was. After making their mark in Cap Ferret, Hossegor and the Alps with upmarket private homes, they chose Montmartre as the location for their first Paris house. It was a strategic choice based on the artistic identity of the area and the discreet character of Avenue Junot.
Their vision radically changed the use of this historic villa, turning it from a private residence into a luxury hotel, able to accommodate up to twelve guests in total privacy.
A stone opera
André Mauprey was not only a famous operetta composer in the Paris of the Roaring Twenties. He was also a refined aesthete who, in the 1920s, had this 710 m2 Art Deco villa built at 18bis avenue Junot. The address was not chosen at random: this quiet Montmartre road was already a hotspot of artists and intellectuals, drawn by its residential character untouched by the hustle and bustle of Paris.
The original architecture is in the image of the ambition of its patron. A majestic façade with the geometric lines typical of the era, large volumes across three floors, and sculpted details that bear witness to the expertise of the craftsmen of the 1920s. A century later, this residence has been restored to its former glory.
In the Claves studio
To set up this renaissance, Iconic House entrusted the project to the Claves studio. These seasoned interior architects began by meticulously researching the archives, finding the original plans to understand the spirit of the place. Their approach keeps to the original Art Deco identity while adding a surrealist dimension, a nod to the great names that have left their mark on Montmartre: Max Ernst, André Breton, Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau.
These twin sources of inspiration guide every change. In the cathedral-like salon, the original plaster reliefs contrast with a custom-woven burgundy carpet embroidered with André Mauprey's musical scores. A poetic gesture that links past and present, music and architecture.
The central staircase becomes a work of art in its own right, thanks to Mauro Ferreira's trompe-l'œil, which turns a simple climb upstairs into a dizzying optical journey. The sculpted arches amplify this effect of unsettling perspective.
Stained glass windows, frescoes and trompe-l'œil
Each space features bespoke creations from renowned craftsmen. Hermès’ former artistic director, Sophie Toporkoff, designed delicate stained glass panels to colour the Parisian sunlight. Galatée Martin painted a fresco in the entrance hall depicting Éloi de la Plume, the residence's imaginary muse. Gaultier Rimbault, an artist from Montmartre, created a mirror painting for the master bedroom, playing on reflections and visual illusions.
The wrought iron is decorated in the form of musical staves, the staff waves like draping in the wind, and the contemporary furniture by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Thalia Dalecky and Léa Zéroil blends harmoniously with the period-accurate features. This subtle orchestration creates a unique atmosphere, somewhere between surreal theatricality and Art Deco refinement.
710 m2 of pure refinement
Villa Junot is divided into five suites for a total 710 m2 area, each suite with its own unique ambience and decorative story to tell. The 120 m² rooftop offers panoramic views over the rooftops of Montmartre and the Moulin de la Galette. There is also a private garden for contemplation, and a full spa with jacuzzi, sauna and hammam for relaxation.
A projection room gives the place an even more unreal dimension – or, more prosaically, allows you to hold professional presentations or watch movies. The fully-equipped kitchen meets the requirements of the most demanding of chefs. Every modern technical detail is discreetly integrated into this magnificent period décor.
A dedicated House Manager coordinates all services: 24-hour concierge service, private chef on request, home massages, organising private events. This tailor-made approach reinforces the spirit of the villa, where excellence is combined with discretion.