Tuesday 24 March 2015

Richaud en splendeur

Hôpital Richaud Versailles
So let's go back to newly restored Richaud hospital. Below are two shots to remind yourselves of what the place looked like as published on VDP in April 2011. Its history goes as far back as 1636 when it was an almshouse. The (now) former ruin was built as a civilian hospital from 1781 to 1859 to plans by Versaillais architect Charles-François Darnaudin. It has become a lovely public space in the making (there will obviously be a fountain in the middle), a gorgeous chapel where a concert was recently held (note to self, must go someday) and luxury flats (oh and look at those crabapples!)

Retournons à l'ancien hôpital Richaud tel qu'il se présente aujourd'hui. Ci-dessous, un petit rappel de l'état des lieux tel qu'il paraissait sur VDP en avril 2011. A l'origine maison de charité dès Louis XIII en 1636, feu la ruine Richaud fut construite entre 1781 et 1859 sur les plans de l'architecte Versaillais Charles-François Darnaudin. C'est devenu un joli lieu de promenade, au milieu duquel il y aura bientôt une fontaine, une superbe chapelle (où un concert a eu lieu récemment), et des appartements de luxe. Et regardez-moi cette promesse de pommes d'ornement !
   Crabapples Versailes hôpital RichaudAnd  here below what it once was... 
Et ci-dessous, avant...Hôpital Richaud decay Versailles 2011
Hôpital Richaud decay Versailles 2011

21 comments:

William Kendall said...

An impressive building. Spring seems to be springing there.

Lois said...

So pretty! I like the dome and the columns (except for the tagging of course). The clock is nice too.

Bob Crowe said...

It is a gorgeous old piece of design. But the luxury flats? They seem to be everywhere, in your area and mine. Where are all the people who can afford them?

Randy said...

Marvelous building. I love that dome.

Kate said...

A graceful building. Concerts. Oh, do go!

Sharon said...

Wow, what a difference. It's wonderful that it is being restored and put to new use. Do you ever wonder about living in a flat inside a historic building that has been around for so long? I always wonder if the people living there ever feel the presence of the past.

Kay said...

Scrubbed up and good as new! It looks as if the landscape needs some time to mature but it's quite an improvement from the "before" shots!

Halcyon said...

It's definitely looking better. I wonder if you could view the flats when they're ready? Pretend to be a potential buyer?

Anonymous said...

Splendid job!

cieldequimper said...

@ Bob: search me. But there are obviously some.

Tanya Breese said...

oh it is looking great...jeez, how could someone tag this beautiful old place?

EG CameraGirl said...

Glad it's being re=purposed, but I too wonder who all these wealthy people are. I thought they were all buying up the luxury condos in Toronto!

Wayne said...

I'm glad you provided the closeup of the crabapple, I was wondering about that structure that looked like an old radar antenna. It's magnificent, I wonder if there are old spirits wandering the halls.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

This makes me very happy Ciel. Once fini it will be a super space, j'adore the beautiful warm color of the stone. now I know where to find an apartment when I win the lotto :)

Tammie Lee said...

I also think it would be a wonderful place to enjoy a concert. thank you for sharing.

Bergson said...

beau résultat espérons ne plus voir les tags

La cachette à Josette said...

j'ai horreur de ces tags... je me souviens du temps de l'hôpital il y a maintes années avoir visité sa pharmacie qui possédait une très grande et magnifique collection de pots..;à pharmacie...j'aimerai savoir ce qu'elle est devenue !!!

RedPat said...

That is a good story to hear, Ciel!

Anonymous said...

Elle a l'air très sympa cette réhabilitation.

VP said...

An interesting story, it looks much better now...

Unknown said...

That looks brilliant, I wouldn't mind an apartment there!