• Near the Seine in Right Bank's most exclusive residential area
• 180 m2 (1,937 sq. ft.), entirely renovated with all new mechanical systems
• Double living room, master suite with large bath and dressing room
• Bath and kitchen fixtures by Boffi, Miele and Siemens appliances
• Balcony large enough for small table and chairs
• 2 cellar storage spaces
• Sauna and exercise room
• Métro, taxi, parking, restaurants and shops all nearby

This extraordinary apartment on rue Boccador near its intersection with avenue Montaigne is the latest creation of Gérard Faivre, whose works are routinely featured in leading European interior design machines.  Since his first project in Provence more than a decade ago, Faivre's signature statement has been sumptuous and highly imaginative treatments of venerable country properties and apartments of standing in Paris.

Faivre's unique approach to property restoration has three main aspects.  The first step is to acquire a large property of character, such as a centuries-old Provençal bastide or farmhouse or a classic Haussmannian-era apartment in Paris, which is in need of substantial renovation.  Second, he renovates interior spaces from top to bottom to create voluminous, light-filled rooms that flow harmoniously together, all the while emphasizing creature comforts, contemporary motifs and easy everyday living.  Finally, the property (if in the countryside) is beautifully landscaped, and the boldly restructured interior is furnished and fully equipped to create an aesthetic statement that challenges tradition but refrains from being excessive.  The entire ensemble - designer furnishings, top-mark appliances and entertainment systems, Sonia Rykiel sheets, knives and forks and all - is then offered to buyers for turnkey occupancy.  

Faivre's latest venture is a stunning 180 m2 (1,937 sq. ft.) apartment in an august post-Belle Époque building on rue Boccador steps from avenue Montaigne and the Plaza-Athénée, home of the restaurant Alain Ducasse and Paris' most celebrated hotel.  The building has an elevator as well as a massive wood staircase that looks as if it were lifted intact from an English country estate.  Situated on the second floor, the apartment overlooks rue du Boccador, a quiet street, as does its wrought-iron balcony, which is accessed by French doors from the double living room and dining room.

The classic features of the apartment - high 3.4 m (11'2") ceilings, two marble fireplaces, extensive woodwork and lovely parquet floors in the common rooms - are enhanced by the color scheme, a palate of soft grays and off-whites, that Faivre has chosen to lend a contemporary ambiance to the rooms' otherwise traditional features.  The furnishings, chosen for their both style and comfort, are all from top-name European designers.

A special feature of the master bedroom suite is a voluminous dressing room lined with custom-made oak shelves and drawers.  As with all Faivre creations, the fixtures in the bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchen are by Boffi.

Among the apartment's many unique features are a small sauna; an exercise room with a bike and weight machine; a security system; dimmer switches in all rooms; a wine refrigerator, and a laundry room with Siemens washing machine and dryer.  Electronic comforts include a built-in sound system and 116 cm (45") LCD high-definition television.

In addition to its many luxuries, the apartment is conveniently located near an array of public services.  A Métro station (Alma-Marceau), taxi stand and parking garage are all within a two-minute walk.  There are numerous restaurants, cafés and shops for daily needs in the immediate area, mostly along avenue Montaigne and Georges V.  The Left Bank (7th arrondissement) is a pleasant five-minute walk across Pont de l'Alma and the Seine.