Villa André Bloc and its sculpture park are a major architectural icon of Ile-de-France. An inhabitable sculpture designed by sculptor and publisher André Bloc, it has been classified as a historical monument and is still seen as radical nearly 80 years after its construction.
The Meudon site, on the outskirts of Paris, was also fertile ground for Bloc’s collaboration with French architect Claude Parent, who designed this more modest property, dubbed ‘The Guardian’s House, in 1956 on an adjoining plot to Bloc’s eponymous dwelling. It was intended as a caretaker’s residence, though it was ultimately used as Bloc’s art studio. It comprises two interlocking cubes of stone and concrete, softened by a large curving glass window on its ground floor.
Photography: Architecture de Collection
Photography: Architecture de Collection
Photography: Architecture de Collection
The Meudon home is at the heart of a 2,200 sq m woodland garden, influencing every aspect of the house’s character. The rounded glass wall opens the living room to a terrace and gardens beyond, offering verdant views, light and colour.
A kitchen, utility room and garage are also on this level, while three bedrooms, a shower room and a bathroom are upstairs.
The French property was designated a historical monument in 1983 and is faithful to Parent’s maverick vision. It’s also an inhabitable artwork, with original stained glass windows by Bloc circa 1956 and a portal sculpture by Parent himself. There are also several sculptures by Bloc in the garden, which has a swimming pool.
The Guardian’s House is for sale exclusively with Architecture de Collection, with price upon application. The listing notes ‘des travaux sont à prévoir’, suggesting work is required on the historic dwelling, subject to the right planning and permission.
