Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Sarrat Estate, officially called the Sarrat Botanical Park, is a landscaped and architectural complex located in Dax, in the Landes department. The property dates back to the early 19th century, with a French garden surrounded by an agricultural estate. It was passed on to René Guichemerre, architect DPLG in Paris, who inherited it in 1941 after his father's death. He settled there permanently in 1950 and devoted his life to rethinking, drawing and restoring this place, making a personal and professional project.

In 1960, René Guichemerre built a new house on the estate, where he also installed his architectural office. He built the three-hectare park, giving it a great botanical wealth, especially with an alley of palm trees. This work of transformation and enrichment lasted until his death in 1988, when he left the whole house, outbuildings and park to the city of Dax. The site was listed as historic monuments by order of 11 January 1991, recognizing its heritage value.

The estate illustrates the heritage of a passionate architect, mixing contemporary creation (house of the 1960s) and preservation of a historical setting (garden of the 19th century). Today, there remains a testimony of Guichemerre's commitment to architecture and landscape, while serving as a public green space for the municipality. Its inscription specifically covers the house, outbuildings and park (cadastre BE 105), highlighting their historical and aesthetic consistency.

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