House of the Week

Hotel de Bethune-Sully, Paris

This stunning hotel particulier (private mansion) in the Louis XIII style is located in the Marais and was built between 1625-1630. Designed by architect Jean Androuet de Cerceau and built for financier Mesme Gallet,it is adjacent to the Palace Royale, today the Place de Vosges. The house was sold in 1634 to Maximilien de Bethune, Duc de Sully. His grandson commissioned Francois le Vau (son of Louis le Vau - Louis le Vau designed Versailles, parts of the Louvre and many other chateaux) to add a wing to the west of the garden in 1660. The house still bears the name of this family who owned the building into the 18th century. Various owners altered the building until 1862 when it was classified as a historic monument. It was gradually restored and in 1944 became the property of the state. It is currently under renovation which will be complete by the end of 2011. The gardens are open to the public and after renovation, some the interiors will be available for private tours. Visit the website here.