The French proverb “To live happily, live discreetly” takes on new meaning as you enter this modest courtyard tucked away in the 14th district of Paris. Hidden beneath its air of simplicity is a jewel of Parisian real estate. Once inside this white matrix of peace, you will quickly forget that you are just a few minutes’ walk from the exciting nightlife of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the charming “village” of Rue Daguerre where delightful shops will please even the most refined French tastes. This contemporary house is built on 3 levels, each with a clearly defined purpose, and overlooks a private Japanese garden where tropical palm trees and Parisian climbing ivy coexist in perfect harmony. On the garden level, 3 double bedrooms, each equipped with their own bathroom, are each named after their colourful wall hangings: Red, Blue and Brown. With its spacious, contemporary living room and dining room for up to 14 guests, the first floor invites you to “hold court” in the utmost of French tradition. Conversations can warm up on the deeper meaning of the contemporary art pieces, carefully selected from the prestigious art fairs of Basel, Venice and Miami. Prestigious designer furniture such as Le Corbusier lounge chairs and Eero Aarnio’s hanging bubble chair, ornament the dazzling white rooms with their large bay windows opening up to the garden. Finally, an intimate mezzanine for the master of the house is characterised by its spaciousness, fireplace and peculiar chandelier that illuminates the immaculate bathroom. To borrow the words of Hemingway, if Paris is a feast, then this villa is its sleek antechamber.