A 400-year-old gatehouse in Paris has been transformed into a private retreat for the homeowner’s grandmother, with contemporary bathroom fittings from Duravit specified as part of the renovation.
Located at the wrought-iron entrance to a historic mansion, the natural stone gatehouse was once home to the gatekeeper. Following an extensive restoration, the building has been converted into 74 square meters of floor space – just a few steps away from the family home.
In the bathroom, the White Tulip range provides the principal sanitaryware, whilst theSensoWash® Classic combines everyday comfort and functionality. The contemporary fittings have been integrated into the restored building, which retains its natural stone façade and historic character, complemented by sage green window shutters.
Historic character retained
The restoration uncovered the gatehouse’s original natural stone facade, which had been concealed under layers of plaster. New sage-green window shutters complement the exposed masonry, whilst the brick-built chimneys and the tiled roof were retained to preserve the gatehouse’s original character.
Contemporary but compact
The interior has been configured as a compact maisonette across two levels. Visible wooden beams lend structure to the high living area and frame the crème-coloured wall surfaces and individual unplastered sections. The honey-coloured natural stone floor complements the warm shades of the walls. In keeping with the colour scheme and material mix, the furnishings include a striped sofa, woven armchairs and natural-fibre rugs. The black fireplace adds a striking contrast.
Open plan living
A gallery connects the ground floor with the upper sleeping area and the main bathroom. White floorboards and light-coloured walls give the rooms a light and airy feel. An upholstered bed with a curved wooden frame is positioned in front of the window to provide a direct view of the mansion. A sea motif in nuanced shades of blue and violet covers the wall behind the bed. The gentle colour transitions create an impression of depth and evoke an atmosphere of calm.
Designed for day-to-day life
The house’s natural colour scheme continues in the main bathroom. Glazed green tiles and natural stone in warm ochre tones provide the backdrop for the bathroom fittings by Duravit. In the washing area, the White Tulip range takes
centre stage.
The bathroom combines Duravit’s Starck T range with a vanity unit in Nordic White Satin Matt. Gently flared ceramic forms are paired with a matching tap, while chrome detailing across the tap and furniture handles creates a consistent finish that is echoed in the bathroom accessories.
The scheme has also been designed around accessibility and everyday usability. A SensoWash® Classic shower-toilet provides integrated washing functionality, while grab handles in the shower area support ease of use and long-term comfort.
