An Art Nouveau gem in Brussels has recently been listed for sale by Sotheby’s International Realty Belgium and bidding starts at €1.8 million. Offers must be submitted in a closed and sealed envelope by 15 July 2022 at the latest.
1. The property
Located right next to the Parc du Cinquantenaire, the Maison Cauchie was built in 1905 by the architect Paul Cauchie as his private residence. Since then, it has been renovated with respect for its materials and character.
A true architectural gem, it illustrates the contribution of mural painting to Art Nouveau.
Sotheby’s International Realty Belgium
The unique facade is decorated with sgraffito (facade paintings), gold leaves and wooden pilasters.
The house has a total liveable space of ± 330 m², on 100 m² square meters of land. The basement, formerly used for domestic purposes, houses an exhibition room. The property comes furnished and has a total of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a lounge, a dining room and a bright living room. The upper floors, which used to be the night area, have been converted into 2 flats.
A true masterpiece of Brussels’ heritage, this house, which offers multiple possibilities, is ideal for an art lover, a foundation or an art gallery.
Sotheby’s International Realty Belgium
2. Fierce competition
Competition promises to be fierce and potential buyers should be aware of the fact that the region is looking to turn the Maison Cauchie into public property. “We are thinking about a purchase and we are studying the possibilities of expropriation. Our priority is to make the place accessible to the public”, announced a spokesperson for the Socialist State Secretary.
The region had the house classified as heritage in 1975 in order to protect it permanently. An estimate of the value of the property was also made. An estimate that does not correspond to the asking price. There’s a lot of work to do.
Pascal Smet, Brussels State Secretary in charge of Heritage
The commune of Etterbeek is also interested in the property, Mayor Vincent De Wolf saying the house “is a historic gem. It is significant that the municipality acquires it”, but also that he is open to collaborate with the Region.
