A Unique Blend of Contemporary Luxury and 20th Century Charm

Schiltach, November 2022. The reasons for vacationing in Normandy are as diverse as the region itself. There are those seeking relaxation on its undulating coastline, while others opt for more active vacations, like hiking along the region’s dramatic cliffs. Still others explore the vestiges of Norman history and immerse themselves in the world-famous cultural heritage—indulging in Normandy’s culinary uniqueness, for example. But all visitors to this part of northern France encounter a unique atmosphere—a largely untouched landscape, rugged and beautiful, highly rich in history and home to a special way of life.

It should come as no surprise, then, that it was in Normandy where French interior designer Tristan Auer came across an early 20th century townhouse whose heritage and potential he recognized immediately. Ushering new life into the property, Auer has transformed it into an artistic backdrop for the region’s history and the stories of its inhabitants. The residence is an expression of early 20th century ‘arte de vivre’, the ‘art of living’, that skillfully includes modern elements throughout. In the bathroom, for example, Auer opted for faucets from the AXOR Montreux collection.

An Idyllic Home with a Joyful Past

Built in 1902, the "Fisherman's House" stands in the middle of a secluded property with old trees and a wending river. The townhouse’s flint clinker façade is typical to the region and creates, along with the tall, narrow windows and steep gable roof, a stately yet charming appearance. The property’s former owners used it as a canvas for their passions of art and fishing and held events in the house for many years—welcoming guests to enjoy their artwork, furniture and decorations. The new owner absorbed this past into his textured, modern vision of emotional spaces, and has created a wonderfully sensual experience within the "Fisherman's House". In each room, one finds Auer’s unique interpretation of contemporary luxury, which he combines with the soul of the restored house.

A Pulsating Mixture of Styles

Auer applied his keen understanding for what is worth preserving and what must be renewed with care and confidence, transforming each room into a curated collection. In the dining room, a magnificent wooden table with columned legs fills the scenery, framed by built-in cabinets, soft-green wooden paneling and porcelain from the house's own collection. As if reading a picture book, one turns the page upon entering the living room to find small treasures and great creativity: a modern sofa and armchair by Lignet Roset, a Chinese coffee table, and a rug designed by Tristan Auer, underneath fish motifs and early 20th-century paintings. In the kitchen, a cast-iron stove sits under the historic fireplace, and cement and hand-painted tiles carry the room’s rustic look down to the smallest detail. Auer’s preference for vivid colors and unusual materials is evident in the design of the bedrooms, which feature either custom tiles in bold terracotta or turquoise-green millefleurs wallpaper and an imposing headboard in a matching hue. The artistic highlight of the house, however, is undoubtedly the entrance hall, with its striking fresco by artist Matthieu Cossé. Here, fantasy meets fine art, sea meets land, delicate shades meet vibrant colors, and once again, the house tells the stories of its owners, current and past.

Authentically Completed

In the bathroom, which originally served as the entrance room, a freestanding bathtub with lion claw feet catches the eye. Equally striking is the floor-standing AXOR Montreux bathtub faucet, with an industrial design characteristic of the early 20th century. Standing before the fireplace and a ceiling-high mirror, the floor-standing faucet pairs wonderfully with small art objects and exudes the aura of the luxurious Belle Époque bathrooms found in the grand hotels and metropolises of Europe. At the washbasin, an AXOR Montreux three-hole basin faucet with a high, curved spout and separate lever handles completes the classic bathroom ambience.

AXOR Montreux proves with each use that an homage to the past can combine nostalgic design with cutting-edge technology and top functionality. The AXOR Montreux bathtub faucet contains functional highlights within an authentic casing—including convenient switching between spout and shower head, as well as a hand-held shower with a state-of-the-art spray type. More obvious, however, are the faucet details that evidence traditional craftsmanship, such as the porcelain inlay on the handles or additive couplings, as well as the slip-fit pipes that make AXOR Montreux a statement of authentic yet contemporary design. For these reasons and more, the collection is the perfect choice for the “Fisherman's House”.

AXOR conceives and manufactures iconic objects for luxurious bathrooms and kitchens. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned designers—Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud and Barber Osgerby among them—AXOR products come in a variety of styles. All AXOR faucets, showers and accessories are produced to the highest standards of quality. With an expertise that extends far beyond the products themselves, AXOR inspires and enables architects, interior designers and the design-savvy public. Together with AXOR, they shape water-related spaces that reflect the unique personality of the user. Part of the Hansgrohe Group, AXOR is a forward-thinking brand dedicated to developing distinctive products, manufactured with excellence.