On the border of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Rue de Turenne apartment is literally around the corner from the highlight of the Marais: the Place des Vosges, one of the most impressive squares in Paris and a favorite spot for resident Parisians and visitors alike. In a corner building that also borders rue des Francs Bourgeois, the apartment is ideal for exploring one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Paris, with plenty of window shopping, fun cafés and restaurants and a labyrinth of largely pedestrian streets which make for an enjoyable leisurely stroll. Nearby mansions formerly belonging to the royal court have since been transformed into museums including the Musée Picasso, home to over 4,000 pieces by the artist as well as much of his own private collection; the Musée Carnavalet, devoted to the history of Paris from prehistory to the present day; and Victor Hugo’s house, where he penned most of Les Misérables. Also within easy walking distance are the famous rue des Rosiers and the heart of the Jewish quarter with several kosher establishments, and some widely popular falafel restaurants. The Seine and Ile Saint-Louis are just a few blocks to the south and the Chemin Vert (line 8) and Saint-Paul (line 1) métro stops make the rest of Paris easily accessible.

The 667 sq. ft. (62m2) two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is up one short flight of stairs in a period building that is typical of the historic Marais. The largely open-plan living area of the apartment is remarkable for its unique architecture, treated wood rafters and relaxing ambiance. The owner, who is also an interior designer, recently refurbished the apartment, peppering it with charming antiques, period pieces and potted plants. To the right is the living and dining area with its calming dove grey walls, original hardwood floors and white-washed wood furniture upholstered in neutral fabrics. The country-style wood dining table with six chairs is against the wall to maximize space and the neighboring hutch conceals a small refrigerator and ice maker. A deep daybed and chairs provide seating in the living area, and there is a handy work space with a secretary-style desk. A flat-screen television is hung above the fireplace with English-speaking channels. Other technical amenities include a CD player and wireless Internet access. Three large windows with gauzy curtains look down onto the rue de Turenne below and allow for plenty of light.

To the left of the entry is the galley kitchen, separated from the living area by a half-wall to preserve the open feeling of the apartment. The kitchen is newly renovated with high-quality appliances including electric oven and cook top, dishwasher and medium-sized refrigerator. There is also a combined washer/dryer machine. The tiled backsplash, etched glass pendant lighting and quaint décor gives the room a homey feel. A narrow window opens into the central atrium and provides a good measure of natural light.

The stylish master bedroom is accessed through the kitchen. The bedroom’s plush king-sized bed is a rarity in Paris, where space is at a premium. The décor includes an antique headboard and gilded mirrors, painted nightstands, designer lamps and various objets d’art. Like the kitchen, there is a window with a view of the atrium. The tiled bathroom, across from the kitchen, has a stall shower, sink and WC.

Through the master bedroom is the apartment’s second bedroom, decorated with a daybed (and trundle bed underneath), large mirrored armoire for storage and a small table and chair next to the window to the atrium. Although it is a smaller room, using the trundle bed does make it possible to sleep four in the apartment. A step down from this bedroom is its ensuite bathroom, which has a beachy feel. The bathtub has a handheld shower and a window to the atrium provides plenty of light during the day. The bathroom also has a glass sink, interesting paneled mirror, mosaic tiling and a WC.

It should be noted that the bedrooms and bathrooms are smaller in size in comparison to the living/dining area. Guests of this apartment will find a bottle of wine upon their arrival, courtesy of the owner, to welcome them to Paris. Information on local shops and restaurants is outlined in a helpful housebook. The apartment provides a neutral respite from the non-stop activity of the city below. Its lavish decoration is whimsical and welcoming, and provides a charming home-away-from-home in the City of Light.