The villa once owned by the late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld in Louveciennes, located just outside Paris, has been sold for 4.7 million euros. The property, which was a significant part of Lagerfeld’s life, was auctioned using the traditional “candle auction” method, a practice still popular in France today. Purchased in 2010 and abandoned after Lagerfeld’s death in 2019, this villa has garnered attention not only for its high price tag but also for its connection to the legendary designer’s personal history. With several unique features and a storied past, the sale marks the end of an era for Lagerfeld’s beloved retreat.
The Villa’s Unique History
Karl Lagerfeld’s villa, set in a sprawling two-hectare park, is not just a luxury property but a piece of fashion history. The villa, which originally belonged to the 19th-century poet Leconte de Lisle and was later owned by members of the Rothschild family, underwent significant renovations during Lagerfeld’s ownership. The designer poured much of his personality into the space, transforming it into a peaceful haven that reflected his tastes and desires. Despite the extensive renovations, Lagerfeld famously only stayed in the villa for one night.
Key Features of the Property:
- Location: Louveciennes, West of Paris
- Size: 2 hectares (5 acres) of parkland
- Facilities: 3 separate houses, swimming pool, tennis court
- Design: Large studio, childhood bedroom recreated with leopard-print walls
- Historical Ownership: Previous owners included poet Leconte de Lisle and the Rothschild family.
The Auction Process: Candle Auction Tradition
The villa was sold using a “candle auction,” a traditional method in France where the time of the sale is determined by two small candles burning for about 15 seconds each. This method, which has been in use for centuries, ensures that bidders have a clear but limited window to place their final offers.
What is a Candle Auction?
- Method: Time determined by the burning of two candles.
- Duration: Each candle burns for approximately 15 seconds.
- Location: A common practice in France, especially for prestigious or historic properties.
Lagerfeld’s Investment in the Property
Lagerfeld’s devotion to this villa was clear, as he invested heavily in its renovation. According to Arno Felber, a notary at the firm handling the sale, the cost of the work done on the property is believed to be close to the asking price of 4.6 million euros. His transformation of the villa into a personal sanctuary, complete with bespoke features like his childhood bedroom, showcases his love for the property.
Amanda Harlech, Lagerfeld’s muse, revealed in 2021 that Lagerfeld considered the villa “the true version of himself.” Despite his renowned status as a jet-setting designer, the villa was a place where he could find peace and solitude, away from the public eye.
The Market for Luxury Real Estate
This sale is another example of the growing demand for luxury real estate in France, especially properties with rich histories and high-profile previous owners. The property was sold slightly above the asking price, a testament to its value as a rare piece of real estate linked to Lagerfeld’s legacy.
Summary Table
| Property Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sale Price | 4.7 Million Euros |
| Location | Louveciennes, West of Paris |
| Size | 2 hectares (5 acres) |
| Facilities | 3 houses, swimming pool, tennis court |
| Auction Method | Candle Auction |
| Historical Owners | Poet Leconte de Lisle, Rothschild Family |
| Lagerfeld’s Contribution | Extensive renovations |
| Unique Features | Childhood bedroom, designer’s studio |
Quotes from Officials
- Jerome Cauro, from Arias: “The villa was designed for discretion and privacy. Its location, surrounded by trees and walls, made it the perfect place for peace and rest.”
- Amanda Harlech, Lagerfeld’s muse: “He really loved this house; he called it ‘the true version of himself.’ It was a place where he could truly be himself, away from the pressures of the fashion world.”
FAQ Section
1. What is a candle auction?
A candle auction is a traditional French method of selling property where the auction time is marked by the burning of two candles, each lasting about 15 seconds.
2. What made Karl Lagerfeld’s villa so special?
The villa was deeply personal to Lagerfeld, featuring unique elements like his childhood bedroom and a large studio where he worked. The extensive renovations also reflected his tastes and creative vision.
3. Who were the previous owners of the villa?
Before Lagerfeld, the villa was owned by 19th-century poet Leconte de Lisle and members of the Rothschild family.
4. How much did the villa sell for?
The villa was sold for 4.7 million euros, slightly above the asking price of 4.6 million euros.
5. Why did Lagerfeld only stay in the villa for one night?
Despite the extensive renovations and personal touches, Lagerfeld reportedly only spent one night in the villa, preferring to use it as a retreat for peace and solitude.