Many an art buff has dreamed of living in their favourite painting, but for one family this became a reality earlier this year in the Channel Island of Guernsey. Channel Island estate agents Livingroom Property sold picturesque Elizabeth Cottage in St. Martin, Guernsey. The property, which boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms and dates back to the 16th century.
The property is a rare find and offers a bespoke opportunity to look out of your window and enjoy views of Moulin Huet Bay, a vista that has changed very little since it was the subject of a series of paintings by the famous impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. 2023 marks 140 years since Renoir painted the setting and a special exhibition is taking place on the island to mark the anniversary.[1]
‘Renoir in Guernsey, 1883’ is the only Renoir exhibition in the world in 2023 and is being hosted by Art for Guernsey, in partnership with the Guernsey Museums and the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny. It features original Renoir artworks loaned from international collections, and ‘Rochers de Guernesey avec personnages’ (plage à Guernesey), which Art for Guernsey purchased in 2020.
At the time Renoir’s paintings were created there was advancement in photography, leading artists to use impressionist techniques to capture the beauty of locations which photographs at the time could not. Moulin Huet is appreciated for its unique light settings and stunning landscape, benefits residents are still enjoying 140 years on.
Elizabeth Cottage offers parking for two cars, a large garden and patio space, also direct access to cliff walks. Aesthetically idyllic, the property is tastefully decorated in styles befitting its island location.
Simon Torode, Founder & CEO of Livingroom Property said: “It is no surprise this property has generated interest due to its unique qualities. At Livingroom Property we are honoured to be able to offer homes with such heritage and historic backstory. This home in particular is a once-in-a-lifetime find, allowing the homeowner to own a small piece of history.
“Renoir’s legacy in Guernsey is enormous, and reinforces that the Channel Islands enjoy cultural highlights on par with much bigger locations around the world.”
The listing information can be found here for reference:https://www.livingroomproperty.com/buy/property/3146
[1] https://www.visitguernsey.com/experiences/events/renoir-in-guernsey-1883-exhibition/
‘Renoir in Guernsey, 1883’ runs until 17 December 2023 and tickets can be purchased online: https://artforguernsey.com/event/renoir-in-guernsey-1883/
