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| Mille Fleurs. Taken February 14th 2016 |
Mille Fleurs exists today in disappointing condition for it being such a tangible aspect of Trinidad's history and culture. Currently, either some heavy renovation work is underway, considering it was blocked off from public view or its state of dilapidation has become such a hazard to public well-being that this was necessary. Hopefully the former is true and if so, the historical grandeur is retained in the renovations.
This grandeur of Mille Fleurs in particular is not nearly as grand or palacial as it's Magnificent Seven counterparts. From far, the colonial history is clear in the building design but it is up close that the refined, intricate details can be made out and the elaborate designs fully appreciated. This is a direct consequence of its classic architectural influence.
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| Mille Fleurs. Taken by Noel Norton and Maclean Publishing Limeted. Source: Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago. Accessed April 1st 2016. |
The residence, a marital gift from wife to husband, housed the family of Dr. Enrique Prada for one year shy of two decades. It was build in 1904 by Trinidad Trading Company's George Brown.
Mille Fleurs became the residence of Joseph Salvatori and family in 1923 When Mr. Salvatory died in 1959, Mrs. Salvatory lived alone until she too died in 1971. Their daughter, Mrs. Pierre Lelong, inherited the property but because she lived in Paris she sold it two years later to a George Matouk who sold it for one million dollars in 1979 to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago who had the intention of using it as a government office.
BONUS!? Lame Joke...
Two tomatoes were rolling down adjacent hills and collided.
Matouks!
Mille Fleurs' architectural style is described as French Provincial, a formal style of architecture which originated in the provinces in 17th- and 18th- century France.
With French Provincial architecture, balance and symmetry, formal and stately are words that best describe the appearance. The most notable design element is the presence of tall, second story windows that are usually arched at the top and break through both the decorative molding that crowns the building and the overhang of the roof. Details, accents and furnishings are usually copper or slate and in keeping with the perfect symmetrical element of French Provincial architecture, would be designed around the main entrance at the centre.
Mille Fleurs became the residence of Joseph Salvatori and family in 1923 When Mr. Salvatory died in 1959, Mrs. Salvatory lived alone until she too died in 1971. Their daughter, Mrs. Pierre Lelong, inherited the property but because she lived in Paris she sold it two years later to a George Matouk who sold it for one million dollars in 1979 to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago who had the intention of using it as a government office.
BONUS!? Lame Joke...
Two tomatoes were rolling down adjacent hills and collided.
Matouks!
Mille Fleurs' architectural style is described as French Provincial, a formal style of architecture which originated in the provinces in 17th- and 18th- century France.
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| Example of French Provincial architecture. Source: Palladian House and Monor Home Developments. Accessed April 1st 2016 |
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| Example of French Provincial architecture Source: Design Evolutions Residential Design Services. Accessed April 1st 2016. |
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