Historic Stay in Nancy: Sleep in a Former 1880 Stable Renovated into a Charming Suite
- lesecuriesderigny
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
Just steps from the historic center of Nancy, a hidden gem draws in lovers of authenticity, heritage, and the art of living. This is no ordinary accommodation, but a place steeped in history, subtly transformed into a charming suite with a private garden, jacuzzi, and an infinity mirror pool. Once the stables of a bourgeois house built in 1880, the space has been fully restored to offer an elegant and immersive experience at the heart of Nancy's rich past.
Nancy, 1880: A City in the Midst of Transformation
We are at the end of the 19th century. Following the defeat of 1870, France loses Alsace and part of Moselle, which are annexed by the German Empire. Nancy, which remains French, becomes a refuge for the "optants"—inhabitants of the lost territories who choose to remain loyal to the Republic. Within a few decades, the city's population doubles, ushering in what would later be known as its third golden age.
Urban development is booming, bourgeois neighborhoods are expanding, and with them emerges a new generation of elegant homes. It was in this context that the main house—once served by these stables, now beautifully renovated—was built. A silent witness to a flourishing Nancy, this functional building has been given a second life, without ever betraying its original identity.
A Restoration that Respects History
When we discovered these former stables, we were instantly captivated by their charm. Despite the passage of time, the original structure remained clearly visible: stone and brick walls, old horse stalls, brick flooring... Everything spoke of the solidity and quiet nobility of a place built to withstand the ages.
Restoring Without Erasing
The renovation was carried out in a spirit of active preservation, with constant attention to highlighting the original features and restoring them to their former glory.
We preserved and restored the noble masonry elements, including the brick and stone lintels and jambs of the windows, as well as the entire frame of the carriage door, which was completely sandblasted to reveal its raw material. These architectural details, often overlooked, now contribute fully to the elegance and uniqueness of the place.
The characteristic materials of the late 19th century—stone, steel, glass, and wood—guided our aesthetic and technical choices. We were committed to restoring their rightful place, blending a contemporary interpretation with faithful respect for the spirit of the era.
Thus, a custom-designed staircase made of steel and oak, paired with a glass walkway, was created as a tribute to the refined utilitarian architecture of the Belle Époque. This light yet expressive structure evokes the large workshops, greenhouses, and industrial glass roofs that flourished at the time, while ensuring functionality and clarity of space.
We also transformed the former semi-underground greenhouse into a unique space, preserving its original steel and glass structure to create a living tribute to the memory of the place.
Upstairs, the queen-size bed, framed in velvet, faces a large window opening onto the garden, flooding the room with natural light. The bathroom elegantly reinvents the spirit of traditional baths while offering high-end amenities. It faithfully echoes iconic elements: a clawfoot bathtub, brass fixtures with cross handles and levers, and exposed piping rising from the floor. Chevron parquet flooring and cement tiles harmoniously complement each other, while brass light fixtures add a touch of refined nostalgia.
An Aesthetic Inspired by Neoclassicism and the Floral Art of 1900
For the interior design of the suite, we aimed to reflect the neoclassical style of the main house, in keeping with the spirit of the late 19th century. This structured, elegant, and understated style highlights the original volumes and the noble materials we preserved or restored.
But we also chose to subtly incorporate touches inspired by the floral art of 1900, reflecting the garden that surrounds the suite. Discreet botanical motifs, nature-inspired curves, and natural materials—all details that evoke the spirit of the École de Nancy and the intimate connection its artists had with the living world.
Nature at the heart of the city—a tribute to a bygone era that, in many ways, is making a comeback.
Here, the past is not something to be viewed behind glass. It is felt, lived, and experienced. Every element—from the light fixture to the door handle—has been carefully chosen to tell a story of an era, without ever falling into pastiche. It’s a soothing, organic aesthetic where classical elegance converses with the poetry of nature.
Come discover Nancy in a new light: a city that, yesterday as today, nurtures the harmony of beauty, life, and history.
A Hidden Garden, a Reflecting Pool, a Suspended Moment
Outside, we aimed to create a natural sanctuary right in the heart of the city. The garden, completely redesigned, blends heritage trees and local perennials. It follows the principles of period gardens, featuring discreet pathways, fragrant flowers, and a layout that feels natural yet carefully managed.
The jacuzzi blends seamlessly into the landscape, nestled in the shade of an old mirabelle plum tree, while the infinity reflecting pool, with its clean lines, extends the gaze toward the sky. Here, water becomes a reflective surface, creating an atmosphere of absolute tranquility.
It’s a striking contrast: a place steeped in history, nestled within a green oasis, right in the heart of the city.
Rediscovering Nancy Through Its History
A Historic Stay in Nancy in a Unique Accommodation
It’s a journey back to the medieval origins around the Porte de la Craffe, a stroll through Place de la Carrière, a discovery of the heritage of the Duchy of Lorraine, and a reliving of the epic victory of René II over Charles the Bold at the Battle of Nancy in 1477 — a defining moment in Lorraine’s identity.
It’s following the thread of history from the Renaissance to the Belle Époque, passing through the masterpieces of Émile Gallé and the visionary constructions of Jean Prouvé.
It’s walking through a city where every stone tells a story, blending art, memory, and elegance.
It’s also discovering a city that’s human-sized, cultured, gourmet, and welcoming.
This suite was born from a conviction: that luxury can be understated, that history can be lived, and that authenticity is a treasure to be shared.
This project is the result of several years of work, passion, and respect for what this place once was and for what it can still offer today.
