A tour of Jean Marais’ former home in Marnes-la-Coquette

While he owned properties throughout France, this star of swashbuckling movies, including « Donkey Skin » and « Fantômas », had a soft spot for his home in Hauts-de-Seine. The property, which borders Parc de Saint-Cloud, features a central building framed by two wings in a blend of classical French and colonial English architecture. The actor also built a studio inside an 18th-century-style concert pavilion.

Jean Marais, a famous resident of Marnes-la-Coquette

Marnes-la-Coquette, which is located just outside of the French capital, plays up its small-town appeal, which is exactly why the actor chose to live there in between film projects. Other celebrities, including the former American president Dwight D. Eisenhower, the actress Danielle Darrieux, and the singers Hugues Auffray and Johnny Hallyday, have also purchased villas there in search of calm and anonymity.

In the dining room, the chandeliers and drawings offer a nod to Jean Cocteau. © DR

The chimney and bay windows are the main decorative features in the living room. © DR

A home worthy of any film set

The actor’s home is located within a 5 600 m² private garden that’s shielded from the view of adjacent properties. Surrounded by a large outdoor pool, a pool house, and 100 m² caretaker’s home, the 340 m², two-story house includes a dining room, living room, office, and six bedrooms and bathrooms. This home isn’t just made for TV, though. It’s actually waiting for its new owner…

With its Mansard roof, this bedroom on the first floor is a cosy haven where you can lay in peace. © DR