La Clef Champs-Élysées

PARIS, FRANCE

Built in the early 20th century, La Clef Champs-Élysées is not just another heritage building, it was the residence of the storied Hennessy family. Opened recently as a luxury serviced residence, La Clef Champs-Élysées, the third property in The Ascott Limited’s Crest Collection, sits within close proximity to the city’s holy trinity of prime real estate—Champs-Élysées, Avenues Montaigne, and Avenues Georges V—and is surrounded by a plethora of luxury offerings, from leather goods to fine food. Its current iteration is a dialogue between the building’s grand past, the timelessness of the location, and a certain contemporary elegance inspired by the world of haute couture. Well-known interior architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, who led the extensive renovation, had one main objective: to preserve the Haussmannian-style mansion’s authentic Parisian spirit. Small, yet thought- through, details such as an original floral motif—which is featured in the wrought ironwork on the main staircase, facade, and fireplace, among others—stand testament to that and reference the property’s surrounding garden heritage. A similar blend of Haussmann-era mouldings and contemporary touches can be seen in each of the 70 rooms, suites, and duplex apartments. The grandiose lobby is one of the most distinctive features of the property and connects to the different parts of the residence. To keep the existing main Haussmannian-style staircase—a stipulation by local authorities—and make it compatible with the energyrelated product directive, Nuel added an iron antique-style parapet that is higher than the original. He further reinforced the existing floors with new, thin concrete slabs that also provide acoustic insulation. What greets you is a strikingly high ceiling, accentuated by numerous mirrors that offer a fragmented reflection of the lobby as well as the carefully renovated period stone mouldings. Presenting an interesting juxtaposition of old and new are majestic blacklacquer carved wood columns. The entrance alone makes one expect to see a barouche draw up anytime.