Blacksmith’s beautiful home for sale in north of France

One of Rouen’s most famous buildings, the Maison Marrou, has been put up for auction by the government with a starting price of €350,000.

The property was the home of Ferdinand Marrou, a 19th-Century blacksmith who was known throughout Europe for his work.

It was built in 1890, and he designed both the property’s detailed facade and the interior. It was a private home until 1940 and was declared a historic monument in 1975.

Denis Giroudet, regional director of public finances for Normandy, said: “The house is remarkable due to its facade made up of iron, bricks and woodwork, and the beautiful interior. 

"It was Mr Marrou’s personal residence and therefore has both aesthetic and historic value, and is a part of Rouen and Normandy’s history.

“This is an exceptional sale.”

The house, near Rouen’s railway station, was bought by the government in 1982 before being occupied by different bodies, such as the Ministry of Culture.

It was transferred to the the regional council in 2017, then given back to the government in 2022, and has since lain empty as no further use for it could be found.

It was offered to the city of Rouen, which turned it down, and then put up for sale. The auction was set to run from September 23 to September 26 but the house will not necessarily be sold to the highest bidder.

Historic monument

“The sale price is important to the state – we wish to get the best price – but I am not obliged to take the highest bid,” said Mr Giroudet.

“The house is classed as a historic monument, so we are looking for a project that respects the recommendations of the culture ministry.”

Bidders must prove they have the required funds and a suitable project. For example, someone wishing to convert it into a short-term rental would not be accepted.

The property covers 290m2, comprising two living rooms on the ground floor and five offices on both the first and second floor, with potential to be converted into bedrooms. It is in good condition, although the façade requires some renovation.

Mr Marrou won prizes at national and international exhibitions for his skills but his most famous works are the four bell towers on Rouen Cathedral. His ironmongery can be seen throughout Rouen, including on the Palais de Justice and the bell tower of the Saint-Romain church.