Briis-sous-Forges, Île-de-France 91640

A classical 19th-century property with its gardener's cottage, greenhouse, orangery and one-hectare grounds, 35 minutes to the southwest of Paris. Once past the impressive wrought-iron entrance gate, which faces the village church, a French formal garden, sheltered from view and decorated with a central circular pond and Medici flowerpots becomes visible and guides one's gaze towards the dwelling in the background. With white plaster exteriors decorated with understated and, yet, elegant details, low-arched symmetrical windows safeguarded by finely crafted guardrails and white-painted louvred shutters, as well as a slate hipped roof topped with dormer windows, chimneys, finials and zinc ridge cresting, the house sets the tone for this meticulous and affluent property.To the left, the orangery, crowned with a zinc roof, stands near the ancient semi-circular greenhouse, which was recently restored, while, to the west, the grounds are planted with multi-century oaks, and, to the east, the gardener's cottage, entirely restored, enjoys direct access from the village square, thereby providing the former with a certain amount of autonomy.