Paris is becoming somewhat of a yearly ritual – a place that, from London, is easier to get to than Cornwall or Scotland. A mere hour on the plane, or a couple more by train; time that can be happily whiled away with a few glasses of champagne.
For the first time, however, we thought about staying at an apartment between the hotels. Whilst looking at options, I was told there’s only one apartment worth staying in when visiting Paris.
You’ll find The Loftfactory on Rue Greneta, a neighbourhood that’s quite the bohemian centre. Think Soho meets Camden, only prettier. You enter through an immodestly large door – what was the entrance to a factory – and into the cobbled courtyard, which sets the tone for the immeasurable grandeur of this apartment, designed and owned by Julie McIvor.
Discussing The Loftfactory, Julie says: “My vision was to create a unique living space in the heart of Paris, affording privacy and real volume to people who might otherwise be cramped into the confines of a hotel room – no matter how luxurious. Space and time are two luxuries increasingly rare to find in our ever expanding, accelerating society. My background in design and luxury marketing helped me to think of all the personal touches that could make the real difference to someone’s stay in Paris. I have equipped the Loftfactory with the indispensable amenities to make it a comfortable yet stylish home for my guests. I also thought about the services available in top hotels and brought the same – and more – to The Loft”.
The converted warehouse certainly benefits from space. Set across three floors, the ceilings stretch to the rooftop, giving The Loftfactory a feeling of vastness. It isn’t a trick of the eye, per se, more an intelligent piece of design. The centre of the building is cut away, with the first floor balcony acting as a walkway around the entire apartment. Plants punctuate the white space, giving The Loftfactory a sense of natural beauty, and the living area has a cinema screen to project movies. A spiral staircase leads down to a basement, where you’ll find a gym and sauna, which can also be used as another bedroom – making the pad suitable for up to six people.
Julie hasn’t missed a thing here – and if you find that she has, there’s a 24-hour concierge to take care of your every whim.
The Loftfactory is one is one of those places you never want to leave. Prices vary depending on the season and length of stay, but whatever the rate, it’s worth every euro.