Calming INFLUENCE

This Parisian pied-à-terre designed by Lichelle Silvestry is a tranquil space in which to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city outside

- KARINE MONIE

Hidden architectural gems abound in the district of Le Marais, in the fashionable heart of Paris. This elegant top-floor apartment is a case in point. Situated behind an 18th-century entrance door that can be reached via a courtyard staircase, it is nestled in a once-grand mansion, which has now been divided into single-floor units — all of which are listed.

‘I have been travelling to Paris for Fashion Week for the past 20 years, visiting the city at least four times a year,’ says the homeowner. In addition to coming for work, she also used to take her family on summer holidays to the French capital and actually found her dream pied-à-terre during one of these stays. ‘One evening, I looked out of the window and saw a beautiful apartment across the courtyard,’ the homeowner remembers. ‘I could see that the apartment was lit up with candles; wine glasses were on the table; the fireplace was lit and music was playing. It was a really magical sight.’