03. Paul Saintenoy’s Private House [Magyar Ház]

In 1897, the architect Paul Saintenoy bought a house on Rue de l’Arbre Bénit, built in 1872, from the stockbroker Ferdinand Grosjean. He renovated the façade and extended the house with an annex at the rear. This eclectic-style complex, with references to the Italian Renaissance, faithfully reflects the tastes of its owner. As both an architect and a restorer, Paul Saintenoy established himself around 1900 as one of the leading figures of Art Nouveau (see Old England, 1899), whilst maintaining a keen interest in historicist architecture (see Delacre Pharmacy, 1895). A champion of Brussels’ historic architecture, he also made a name for himself as a restorer, notably of the Hôtel Ravenstein (1894). The interior of his house not only reflects these various styles but also incorporates materials salvaged from houses demolished at the time. In particular, you can admire the sumptuous Art Nouveau stained-glass windows created by Raphaël Elvadre. The Saintenoy family lived in the house until Paul Saintenoy’s death in 1952. Since 1956, it has been owned by the Hungarian Catholic Mission.