The Arcachon house:origin and specificity

Imbued with elegance and refinement, Arcachon houses are architectural gems of south-west France. An Arcachon house is much more than a simple dwelling; it is a witness to arich history and era. They embody the very essence of the FAMOUS Ville d'Hiver area, with their distinctive architecture and timeless charm.

The history of the Arcachon mansion

Arcachon houses and the History of the town of Arcachon are closely linked.

They were built at a time when Arcachon was a favorite holiday destination for the middleclasses,who were attracted by the town's natural beauty,mildclimate,and lifestyle.

At the end of the 19th century, the Pereire brothers, owners of the railway company thatlinked Bordeaux to La Teste-de-Buch, saw the popularity of the town of Arcachon as a realestate opportunity. So, they decided to build wooden chalets on the heights of the town,known as the Ville d'Hiver district.

These chalets were spacious enough to accommodate an entire family and their servants.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the stone and brick houses were gradually replaced bywooden chalets. The Great Depression of 1930 marked a turning point, leading to asignificant decline in interest in the region. It was only a few decades later that the Arcachon house and the Ville d'Hiver (Winter Town) area enjoyed a revival thanks to their charm and unique history.

Architecture: the heritage of a middle-class seaside resort

Arcachon houses are a subtle blend of different architectural styles, reflecting the elegance and refinement of the bourgeoisie of the time.

"La Ville d'Hiver" (Winter Town district) is often compared to a Swiss village, with its dunes reminiscent of mountainsand its pine trees reminiscent of fir trees. The Pereire brothers drew inspiration from Swisschalets to design their atypical houses, avoiding sharp angles and moldings for reasons of hygiene, and favoring wooden structures in the first constructions. The facades of Arcachon houses are often adorned with delicate details and refined motifs, testifying to the attention paid to aesthetics and decoration.