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Brussels’ Art Nouveau masterpiece Maison Saint-Cyr on sale for €1.9m
One of the Belgian capital’s most flamboyant Art Nouveau architectural landmarks, Maison Saint-Cyr in Ambiorix Square, is on the property market with an asking price of €1.9m.
The heritage townhouse in the European quarter boasts an eye-catching curved facade. Built between 1900 and 1903 for painter and decorator Léonard de Saint-Cyr, it was designed by 21-year-old Brussels architect Gustave Strauwen, a pupil of Art Nouveau pioneer Victor Horta.
Despite the narrowness of the property, the originality and complexity of its breathtaking facade ensures it remains one of Brussels’ most famous examples of the stylistic movement, which appeared in the capital in the early 1890s before rapidly spreading to France and the rest of Europe.
The house has been listed by Christie's International Real Estate, which specialises in exceptional properties. Its current owner Augustin Siaens, who acquired the Art Nouveau gem 12 years ago, told RTBF: “My wife and I bought it because we thought it was beautiful. But also because we found it regrettable that such a well-known house, which represents so much for Brussels, was abandoned.”
The iconic listed property offers a gross surface area of around 436m² on five floors with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a panoramic terrace, says Christies. While Art Nouveau details have been preserved, for example in the basement, along with surprising Japanese features in the living room, some spaces have been redesigned. “Restored between 2008 and 2019, it combines heritage with contemporary comfort,” adds the agency.
“Its spectacular four-meter-wide façade, richly adorned with polychrome bricks and floral ironwork, embodies a style often referred to as “Baroque Art Nouveau,” says Christies.
Another outstanding feature is a grand staircase under a glass canopy with glazed corridors that floods the interior space with light.
Two Belgian bidders have already come forward, the agency told RTBF. “Two enthusiasts, passionate about Art Nouveau, who would like to live in the house."
The current owner opened the property to the public several times a year during architectural heritage events such as the BANAD festival. Under Brussels Capital-Region legislation, allowing public access to a listed property can provide owners with an exemption from their property tax.
Although Strauven designed other properties during this Belle Epoque period, Maison Saint-Cyr was his outstanding achievement as an architect.
Between the 1950s and the 20th century, it was occupied by ballerina Chamie Lee who ran dance classes from the stunning property.
Photos: ©Christies International Real Estate