Draft:Villa Lotus Bleu

Villa Lotus Bleu

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Villa Lotus Bleu is a historic townhouse, built in 1899 by Theodore Gastaud[1], located on the Boulevard du Jardin Exotique[2] in Monaco, formerly known as Boulevard de l'Observatoire. It gained fame in the early 20th century as the home and headquarters of Nestor Moehr, the founder of La Parfumerie de Monte Carlo. The villa became a key site for Moehr's perfume-making, where he crafted exceptional fragrances from rare and exotic ingredients.

 
3 Boulevard Jardin Exotiq

Historical Background

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In 1910, Nestor Moehr[3] expanded his operations to Villa Lotus Bleu, turning it into a state-of-the-art distillery and perfume manufacturing facility. Situated in a picturesque area of Monaco, the villa provided the perfect environment for Moehr to refine his craft. It quickly became the center of his innovative approach to perfumery, where tradition met modernity.

The Distillery and Perfume Creation

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At Villa Lotus Bleu, Moehr established a distillery that used traditional copper stills to extract natural essences from a wide variety of raw materials, including violet, iris, gardenia, and tobacco flower. These fragrances reflected Moehr's dedication to simplicity and authenticity. His methods set new standards in the industry, making his perfumes highly sought after by high society in Monte Carlo.

Architectural Significance

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The villa itself is a historic multi-story townhouse featuring a warm reddish-pink facade, elegant wrought-iron balconies, and large arched windows on the ground floor, all of which reflect early 20th-century architecture. The design blends Art Nouveau with Mediterranean vernacular influences, creating a distinctive and well-preserved structure that stands out amidst its surroundings.

Legacy and Impact

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A century later, Villa Lotus Bleu remains a symbol of Monte Carlo's rich perfumery heritage. Though the distillery no longer operates, the villa stands as a tribute to Nestor Moehr’s contributions to the world of fragrance. His work at the villa influenced future generations of perfumers and set a high standard for quality and creativity.

Today, the villa is privately owned and not open to the public, but it continues to attract interest from historians and perfume enthusiasts.

References

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  1. ^ "PSS / Villa Lotus Bleu (Monaco, Monaco)". www.pss-archi.eu. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  2. ^ "Monaco d'hier et d'aujourd'hui – Detaille" (in French). Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  3. ^ Gh (2014-08-01). "Cleopatra's Boudoir: Parfumerie de Monte-Carlo N. Moehr". Cleopatra's Boudoir. Retrieved 2024-08-27.