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Aalto was contacted in autumn 1956 by the well-known French art dealer Louis Carré and his wife, who wished to build a villa of the highest artistic quality and material comfort on a large plot Carré had acquired near the village of Bazoches, with a sweeping view of a history-rich landscape that merges with the Forêt de Rambouillet. In addition to the architecture, Aalto was to be responsible for the furnishings – as exclusively designed as possible – and for the landscaping of the whole plot with terraces and plantings.

Designed in

1956-59, 1961-63

Location

Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France

— 1

Sketches. Drawing: © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 2

Maison Louis Carré garden. Photo: Heikki Havas © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 3

West elevation. Drawing: © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 4

The main entrance. Photo: Martti Kapanen © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 5

Ground floor plan. Drawing: © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 6

An art gallery-style partition wall separates the public and private spaces of the house. Photo: Heikki Havas © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 7

Section. Drawing: © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 8

Entrance hall flows down towards the living room, echoing the landscape. Photo: Heikki Havas © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 9

Unique variations of Aalto' s standard furniture were designed for the house. Photo: Heikki Havas © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 10

The fireplace serves as the focal point of the living room. Photo: Martti Kapanen © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 11

The unique dining room lamps are a variation of Aalto´s beloved 'golden bell' lamp (A 330). Photo: Martti Kapanen © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 12

Backyard amphitheatre. Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Guided tours

Open from March to November. Guided tours are in English/French.

Advance booking required: resa@maisonlouiscarre.fr

Photo: Heikki Havas, Alvar Aalto Museum

More information

The house is open for public during limited opening hours.

See www.maisonlouiscarre.fr for details or contact resa@maisonlouiscarre.fr

Photo: Martti Kapanen, Alvar Aalto Museum