Hard-Hearted

Not so much a townhouse as a miniature chateau transplanted from the Loire, the Hôtel Menier extended itself around a paved courtyard rich in greenery, wrought iron and gold leaf, which opened onto avenue Van Dyck mere metres short of the Monceau park. Constructed of massive stone blocks textured by careful chiselling in order to provide variety to its facade, the Hôtel provided ample illustration of the skills of the masons who had worked on it. Its windows were surrounded by wreaths and heroic heads. Carved lions snarled on either side of the main entrance and a galloping horse formed part of the ceremonial balcony poised above it. A roof of painstakingly assembled slates with tiny openings for what were once servants’ quarters topped off its three imposing floors.