At 56Paris, we love when real estate, architecture, and history come together. Few properties illustrate this connection as beautifully as Villa Beau-Chêne, now listed for €20.84 million.
Located just outside Paris in the coveted suburb of Le Vésinet, this grand estate was once home to international performer and civil rights icon Josephine Baker—a woman whose story continues to inspire audiences around the world.
A Private Paris Retreat for an International Star
Josephine Baker is remembered for transforming Paris in the 1920s and 30s with her charisma, artistry, and unmistakable stage presence. Yet outside the city center, she cultivated a surprisingly intimate life. Between 1927 and 1947, Villa Beau-Chêne served as her personal retreat—where she gardened, cared for exotic animals, welcomed friends, and enjoyed a peaceful rhythm far removed from the bright lights of the Folies Bergère.
Designed by architect Louis Gilbert and completed in 1890, the villa embodies the architectural elegance associated with Paris-area luxury properties of the late 19th century. Features such as parquet flooring, ornate moldings, and a sweeping oak staircase accented with gold leaf remain at the heart of the home. Even the villa’s distinctive purple front door—opening onto a colorful tiled corridor—reveals a hint of Baker’s playful personality.
The residence extends across nearly 9,000 square feet and sits on 2.5 acres of landscaped grounds. During Baker’s time, the property was known for its greenhouse filled with exotic plants, fruit trees she personally tended, and garden parties that merged music, conversation, and nature. One memorable moment in the villa’s history is her celebrated reception for Sultan Mohammed V of Morocco in 1945, featuring orchestras, illuminated groves, and vintage American automobiles.
(For more architectural stories in and around Paris, explore our latest article on Hector Guimard and the new museum dedicated to his work.)
Le Vésinet: One of the Most Exclusive Suburbs Near Paris
Located approximately 16 kilometers west of central Paris, Le Vésinet remains one of the most prestigious residential communities in the Paris metropolitan area. Created in the 19th century as France’s first ville-parc or “park-city,” it is admired for its tree-lined boulevards, lakes, landscaped parks, and grand villas tucked discreetly behind wrought-iron gates.
The suburb is also known for its wealth of architectural gems, including several noteworthy sites:
* Villa Berthe, an Art Nouveau masterpiece by Hector Guimard
* Sainte-Marguerite Church, France’s first non-industrial concrete building
* Wood Cottage, an 1864 residence listed as a historic monument
Turn-of-the-century private mansions inspired by Versailles and classical French architecture
This refined environment has long attracted families, artists, diplomats, and professionals seeking tranquility without sacrificing proximity to Paris. Its blend of natural beauty and architectural heritage makes it one of the most desirable areas for buying luxury property near Paris.
Josephine Baker: A Life of Glamour, Courage, and Generosity
While Baker’s career defined an era of Parisian nightlife, her offstage life was driven by humanitarian activism. During World War II, she became a member of the French Resistance, used her celebrity to raise funds for refugees, and later adopted children from around the world as part of her “Rainbow Tribe” initiative.
Villa Beau-Chêne was at the center of her personal and philanthropic life. It occasionally opened to the public during the European Heritage Days, allowing admirers to step inside the home of a woman who had become a symbol of freedom, creativity, and compassion.
A Respectful Restoration Honoring Its Past
After decades of various owners, Villa Beau-Chêne has been meticulously restored to preserve its historical character while introducing modern comforts expected in a Paris-area luxury property today. According to the listing, original details—including gold-leaf accents, the grand staircase, and key architectural elements—have been restored with exceptional care.
The property now includes:
* 12 bedrooms
* Four reception rooms framed by garden views
* A formal dining room featuring a marble fireplace
* A breakfast room with a coffered ceiling
* A fully equipped gourmet kitchen
* A spacious wine cellar and workshop
* Guest quarters in the basement
* An attic level with expansive views of the estate
Notably, Josephine Baker’s former office remains intact—a meaningful tribute to her work and legacy.
Restored kiosks, the historic greenhouse, and landscaped pathways ensure the estate retains the charm and personality she cultivated during her two decades here.
(For more on restored historic homes, see our feature on a beautifully renovated Paris 7 pied-à-terre on rue de Lille.)
How Josephine Baker’s Paris Ties Reflect the Spirit of 56Paris
Josephine Baker embodied what continues to attract many American and international buyers to Paris: elegance, reinvention, artistry, and a passion for beauty. At 56Paris Real Estate, we share these values and highlight stories like this because they resonate with our clients, many of whom look to Paris for cultural richness, architectural character, and a meaningful personal connection.
Paris remains a symbol of possibility—and historic homes such as Villa Beau-Chêne remind us why the city continues to inspire. Here, a home is never just a piece of real estate. It is a living reflection of the past, present, and future.
(For more market insights, read our article on current Paris real estate trends and 2025 buyer activity.)
Looking for Your Own Piece of Parisian History?
At 56Paris, we believe every home has a story. We would be delighted to help you discover yours—whether you’re searching for a renovated pied-à-terre, a historic residence, or a high-end property in one of Paris’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
Contact us today to begin your Paris real estate journey.
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