ID #79 - Historic One bedroom
     Sleeps up to 4
Upscale - Great Location

Would you like to experience the charm and character of old Paris in the comfort and ease of modern furnishings and conveniences? We offer you a historic and beautiful 17^th century apartment located in the prestigious 2^nd Arrondissement in a “Quartier” rich in history. The reputable “Architecture et Arts de Paris” recently described this ancient slice of Paris as being one of the most vibrant and fashionable neighborhoods in the city.

Rue Marie Stuart is a small and narrow cobblestone street extending about 50 meters between rue Montorgueil and the arcades of the Passage du Grand Cerf, one of the narrow, enclosed commercial passages lined with small boutiques and cozy restaurants and cafes that crisscross this part of Paris. The arcades were built during the 19th century Haussmann renovations of the city. Poets like Baudelaire strolled here and the literary critic and philosopher Walter Benjamin identified the arcades as being emblems of the distinctly modern metropolis.

Rue Marie Stuart is closed to traffic. Looking out through the open French windows on a sunny day is as restful and regenerating as being in the country. But step outside, walk about 20 meters to the right to rue Montorgueil, and you are embraced by one of the most alive and picturesque streets of Paris. Off limits to traffic, like Marie Stuart, one of the oldest streets in the city offers an array of small shops, groceries, restaurants, and cafes to a steady stream of Parisians. It is called the rue marche because you can purchase fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, fish, and an assortment of meats, cheeses, and bread from small shopkeepers who display their wares openly. Some of the restaurants and stores date back as far as the 17^th century! Enjoy the village feeling and sense of place and history. You will find the bustle and discriminating ambience of Paris until late at night on rue Montorgueil.

The four-story house on rue Marie Stuart dates back to the early 17^th century. It is listed and photographed in “Architecture et Arts” and routinely visited by guided walking tours as an example of early 17^th century architecture. The building was completely renovated about 20 years ago in order to modernize the infrastructure while maintaining its historical integrity. It is constantly being maintained through sizable contributions of all co-proprietors. There is an elevator in the building.

The apartment has one bedroom with a window looking out on a quiet courtyard, an open kitchen/dining/living room area, a full bath with standing shower, and a separate toilet located for privacy in the hall between bed and living rooms. We had the apartment remodeled and furnished consistent with the quality we want for our home. It is not primarily a rental, although we are pleased to share the experience of living here with our valued clients.

We have jealously preserved the 17^th century terracotta floor and, of course, those magnificent 400-year old beams that support high ceilings. But we have consistently sought to modernize the conveniences and furnishings in accordance with out sense of style. We had the bathroom remodeled in 2004 by tiling the walls, installing a glass shower screen, a heated towel rack, and a vanity with cupboard. In 2006 we added a built-in closet for hanging clothes and storage and an entertainment center for the living room. (There is room for storage and clothes in the bedroom closet too.)

In early 2007 we just completed major remodeling in the kitchen and toilet. There is a new toilet, a new cupboard with vanity and sink, and new light fixtures. We love our new kitchen, which was designed by LaPeyre. The wall separating the kitchen from the living room has been torn down. We now have a wonderful breakfast bar with a massive oak countertop. All appliances, including refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave oven, four-burner convection stove, and sink are new. Drawers and cupboards in lacquered white and dark-brown trim provide ample room for kitchenware. The backsplash to the stove is tiled in white and yellow.

We have also added overhead light fixtures in the living room and kitchen and wall lamps in the living and bedroom. (We have installed a big water heater that provides an ample supply of water for showers or baths!) All pictures in the living room are originals. We have a new (Jan '08) queen-size bed in the bedroom and the large couch in the living room. The couch can be converted into a bed for two.

Rue Marie Stuart is located in the heart of Paris. The Seine, the Louvre, the Opera, the Marais district, the Sainte Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter are all within easy walking distance. The same is true of Les Halles, the Palais Royal, and the Tuilleries. P[ The nearby Forum des Halles, where you will find a large selection of shops as well as a large swimming pool and a Cineplex, complements the variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops on rue Montorgueil.

Transportation could not be more convenient from this fantastic location. If you cannot walk where you want to go, there are three metro stations and three rapid transit lines (RER) within a five-minute walk of the apartment. The central bus stop at Place Chatelet is also within a few minutes’ walk.

Apartment Amenities:

• 47 m² (500 sq ft- two separate rooms plus entry hall)
• NON –smoking apartment!
• WC separate from the bathroom
• Recently refreshed with paint, furnishings of tables, leather sofa, several appliances, plus original paintings/decorations
• Recent apartment renovations (Feb '07) including:
        Fully remodeled bathroom and new toilet
        Kitchen refurbished and new appliances purchased
        New dining room table with chairs
        New leather chairs in living room
• Fully equipped kitchen:
        Four burner stovetop with convection oven
        Multi function microwave oven, 
        Dishwasher
        Cappuccino and Coffee maker
        Refrigerator & Freezer
        All dishes, cutlery, and glasses
• Two heating systems (one for each room)
• Two Smoke detectors for your safety
• Queen size bed in bedroom, new Jan '08
• Large new sleeper-couch (Jan '08), folds out
  to a very comfortable double sized bed with thick mattress
• Solid wood dining table for two people plus a breakfast bar for two
• 2^nd floor elevation with elevator
• Flat screen TV with cable (with English, German, and French channels)
• Entertainment unit with DVD/CD/FM-AM

• Bathroom (WC is separate) that includes:
        Two hair driers 
        Large shower in a tub
        Extra large hot water heater
        Glass shower screen
        Clothes Washer & Dryer
        Heated towel rack
        Linens, towels,
        Iron & board 

• WC room has an additional sink, cupboard, mirror,
  and electrical outlet for shaver
• FREE local telephone usage, FREE telephone service to North America, FREE incoming calls
• FREE broadband WiFi Internet service for your laptop.
   

  Need more room? This apartment is located just next door to our apartment ID 179. The is a perfect combination for two families traveling together but yet want separate accommodations.