It cost NOK 860 million less than the artist’s most expensive work.
In the center of the French city of Nice, there is a residential complex from the late 19th century, built to meet the growing demand for luxury housing from foreign vacationers.
The building was christened The Excelsior Régina Palace in honor of the British Queen Victoria, who at the time was not satisfied with the city’s hotel standards. Here she was promised superior service.
In 1918, the French artist Henri Matisse bought an apartment on the third floor. Now for sale. The asking price is 2.48 million euros, which is approximately 29.4 million Norwegian kroner.
By comparison, a Matisse auction record was set in 2018, then The drawing “Odalisque couchée of magnolias” From 1923 has been under the hammer for $80.8 million at Christie’s, according to Artnews.com.
At today’s exchange rate, that corresponds to just under NOK 900 million.
The cheaper NOK 860m apartment has been on the market for less than a week, but viewings are already planned, says broker Emily Piacentino at Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty, who is handling the sale.
See more home photos here:
1 out of 7Photo: Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty
Historical surroundings
At the time, the apartment served as Matisse’s home and studio. It was here that Matisse, a central figure in modern art, invented his cut-and-paste pictures (decoupage).
It can offer views of the Mediterranean Sea, classic details and lavish surroundings. The apartment of 165 square meters is located on the south side and consists of 5 rooms, 2 of which are listed as bedrooms in Advertising.
The building has access to a shaded outdoor area, swimming pool and tennis court. Plus a large cellar and double garage.
housing crisis
Housing prices in France declined in 2022, according to French statistical agency Insee. At the end of last year, apartment and house prices returned to the 2020 level. However, in the Provence region, where Nice is located, the price increases were above average.
Like Norway, the construction of new homes has declined in France. Among the reasons are increased material prices and new environmental regulations that must be made, among others Reducing energy use in new homes. At the same time, buyers must be able to service an increasingly higher interest rate for housing, and it is becoming more and more difficult to obtain a loan.
The situation is referred to as a housing crisis. It was last fall The National Council for Renewal. He sat down to consider, among other things, the housing issue. They were actually supposed to submit their works on May 9th, but the deadline It has been postponed indefinitely.
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