In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where historic literary cafés line cobblestone streets and apartment living defines the residential landscape, something extraordinary has appeared on rue de Seine. A single-family house—an architectural rarity in central Paris—sits quietly in a private courtyard between the Seine and Boulevard Saint-Germain, representing the kind of property that may not be on the market again for years.

This former artist’s atelier, completely renovated with premium materials, carries a price tag of €3.39 million. While at first glance this approximately €21,871 per square meter price might seem high, it is consistent with other renovated properties in this sought after location.  However, this property offers something few properties in this coveted area can: a private single family dwelling, which are typically priced much higher due to their scarcity.

What Makes a Paris House So Rare?

Single family houses are very rare in Paris, however, there are areas that have more houses than others. Along the Périphérique in the 13th, 14th and 15th arrondissements houses are more common, accounting for approximately 3,000 properties in total.  In comparison, there are well less than 200 single family houses in the 6th Arrondissement. The scarcity stems from centuries of urban development that prioritized vertical density over horizontal expansion. When Baron Haussmann redesigned Paris in the 19th century, he favored grand apartment buildings over private homes, forever shaping the city’s residential landscape. “We rarely see single-family houses come to market in Saint-Germain,” notes Miranda Junowicz, founder of Paris Property Group. “When they do, they represent a completely different lifestyle—private courtyards, multiple levels, and the kind of privacy and prestige that’s impossible to find in apartment living.”

Why Saint-Germain Remains the Most Coveted Address

Several key elements contribute to Saint-Germain’s lasting appeal and market resilience. As a historic center for intellectuals and artists, the neighborhood carries cultural depth that attracts both Paris residents and international visitors who appreciate a district rich with history, culture and beautiful architecture. The neighborhood’s prime location on the Left Bank, close to the Seine, offers unmatched walkability and access to Paris’s most famous cultural sites, including Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, and the Louvre across the river. Yet Saint-Germain-des-Prés maintains what might be called upscale authenticity—while clearly a high-end area, it retains genuine Parisian character.  The iconic café culture epitomizes its history and character, with famous establishments like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots serving as more than just coffee spots—they’re institutions where visitors can truly experience the Parisian art of living and imagine the conversations of generations past. This combination of cultural heritage, architectural beauty, prime location, and authentic atmosphere creates the resilience that insulates Saint-Germain from broader market fluctuations.

A House Unlike Any Other

Built in the 1830s and nestled in the courtyard of a structure erected a few decades earlier, this property represents a private oasis in the middle of one of Paris’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The former artist’s atelier breaks the apartment mold that defines Parisian living, offering something increasingly rare: space, privacy, and the prestige that comes with owning one of only a handful of single family homes in the area.

The three-level layout serves contemporary needs beautifully. The ground floor welcomes with a grand entrance, guest powder room, and a bedroom suite with full bathroom—perfect for visiting friends or family. The first floor houses the master bedroom with its ensuite shower room, plus a third bedroom with its own bathroom, ensuring privacy and comfort.

But it’s the top floor where the magic happens. The light-filled living and dining area, crowned by dramatic skylights and expansive French windows, creates an airy loft-like space that feels more like a gallery than a traditional salon. The open kitchen, finished in sophisticated navy blue cabinetry with marble countertops, overlooks the lush, tree lined courtyard through floor-to-ceiling windows. Original features like hardwood floors and exposed beams blend seamlessly with contemporary conveniences, including a striking fireplace that anchors the main living space and premium finishes throughout.

The Market Context for 2025 and Investment Considerations

This listing emerges during a period of optimism for Paris real estate. After experiencing price corrections over the past few years, the market has shown signs of stabilization with positive annual price growth at the beginning of 2025. Further, interest rates have become more favorable, dropping from 3.6% in early 2024 to 3.2% by the first quarter of 2025 for resident buyers (rates for non residents are slightly higher) and holding steady. This shift has restored some purchasing power for qualified buyers and has further solidified the value proposition of Paris real estate for international buyers.

Historical data suggests properties in prime central districts have delivered consistent capital appreciation over decades, with owners who purchased in central 6th and 7th arrondissements a decade ago seeing approximately 35% capital gains. The finite supply of single-family houses in Saint-Germain creates additional value protection—these individual properties represent irreplaceable assets in a neighborhood where every square meter has been accounted for over centuries. For buyers seeking something beyond the typical Parisian apartment experience, houses like this rue de Seine property provide access to a different kind of Paris living—one that most residents of the city will never experience.

For additional information on this one-of-a-kind property, contact Paris Property Group.