A gem of Norman heritage facing the sea
Nestled on the heights of an emblematic resort on the Côte Fleurie, this century-old villa majestically overlooks the sea. Built at the end of the 19th century, it was a testament to the golden age of Norman seaside residences — these homes where affluent families came to enjoy the gentle lifestyle of the coast. However, the years, salty winds, and inclement weather had taken their toll on its splendor: tarnished facades, damaged woodwork, and fragile decorations.
A large-scale project for a complete revival
The project involved a total renovation and restructuring carried out over nearly 18 months, encompassing studies, heritage diagnostics, and the execution of the works. The goal: to restore the villa to its original appearance while adapting it to contemporary comfort requirements.
The intervention began with a detailed survey of the existing structure to understand the construction logic and the balance of volumes. The decorative elements — balconies, railings, cornices, consoles, loggias, oculi, ceramic decorations — were documented, photographed, and then restored identically by craft artisans: blacksmiths, stone masons, ceramists, and companion masons.
- Complete stripping of coatings to reveal the original brickwork
- Custom reconstruction of curved solid oak woodwork
- Hand reproduction of missing decorative ceramics
- Restoration and anti-corrosion treatment of railings and ironwork
A dialogue between tradition and modernity
Inside, the renovation was conceived as a dialogue between heritage and modernity. The volumes were rethought to enhance fluidity and light, while respecting the original proportions. The floors were reinforced, insulation was updated, and all systems — electricity, plumbing, heating — were completely modernized.
The choice of materials focused on natural and sustainable species: solid light oak flooring, lime-washed walls, limestone in the water rooms, and custom ironwork for the staircases. The simplicity of the interior fittings highlights the volumes and the light. The custom-designed furniture continues this discreet elegance.
Natural light, ever-present, interacts with the materials and emphasizes the architectural richness of the building. Large openings towards the sea offer a changing spectacle throughout the hours, while ambient lighting enhances the evenings.
The emotion of a rediscovered place
When the owners rediscovered their home after more than a year and a half of work, the emotion was palpable. The villa, which they had known as tired and dormant, had transformed into a bright, vibrant, and refined residence.
The gray-blue skies of Normandy now reflect in the restored windows, shadows play on the red bricks, and the sea, in the distance, seems to converse with the loggias as it did on the first day.
Today, the house has regained its soul. Alive and warm, it combines memory and modernity, offering its inhabitants a soothing environment, rooted in history yet looking towards the future.
