Château Marteret
Château Marteret is a luxurious seven-room fairy tale villa rental framed by four centuries-old cedars and set into the middle of 180 hectares of land.
How would you describe Maison Bord de Rivière in a nutshell?
Offering breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside and the River Seine, Maison bord de Rivière nestles on the outskirts of a traditional village in Normandy, just 100 kilometres from Paris. It’s a hidden escape that has been completely renovated with a modern California style while retaining its 19th-century charm.
What is the story behind Maison Bord de Rivière, what was your inspiration to create it?
I live in Paris with my French wife and two little girls and we always wanted to have a family escape outside the city. Four years ago, there was a lack of upscale private retreats that were easily accessible from Paris, so it was our idea to create one. I envisioned somewhere that was reminiscent of my childhood in the United States where I would get out in the countryside and enjoy the outdoors.
When we discovered the house, we fell for it immediately and spent a year renovating and gardening between November 2017 and 2018. It is a 19th-century traditional French home that has been brought back to life with new electrical circuits, insulation and heating, as well as modern kitchens, bathrooms and a swimming pool. We wanted to make it comfortable yet unique and authentic.
My background is in catering and events and I owned one of the first food trucks in Paris, Cantine California, for many years. I also operated a restaurant, so I had a lot of experience in building out hospitality spaces. On this project, I worked with a Parisian architect, Gilles Tombeur, who drew the technical plans and layouts while I managed the worksite and interior decorations.
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior design of Maison Bord de Rivière?
We wanted our guests to feel as though they were at a private country house that was very homely while being disconnected from their urban lifestyle. It’s a place that really immerses you in the Normandy countryside — in winter, it’s about long walks along the river and relaxing beside the fire while in the summertime, it’s being poolside and evening barbecues. It’s a place to refresh and rejuvenate while creating unforgettable memories with your family and friends.
