Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Maison Géry is an iconic residence on Réunion Island, located at 23 rue Sainte-Anne in downtown Saint-Denis. Built in 1820, it has undergone several additions over time, as evidenced by its seven separate roofs. These transformations were studied by historian Bernard Leveneur, who traced the architectural evolutions of the building. The house, typical of Creole habitat, reflects the successive adaptations of domestic spaces to the needs of its occupants.

In 1834, the vast building was divided into three lots by the heirs wishing to separate from it. The first lot overlooks Saint-Denis Street, the second is the corner of the streets of Barachois and Sainte-Anne, while the third, located to the northeast, sees the addition of a pavilion and kitchen in appentis against the fence wall. In 1936-1937, the open veranda was closed, marking a last major change before the contemporary restoration campaigns.

Listed as a Historic Monument on 26 January 2012, the house Géry benefited from two renovation campaigns (2012 and 2014) due to the damage caused by the termites. Each wooden element has been replaced identically, using traditional methods, under the supervision of the architect of the historic buildings. The interior ironwork, huisseries and glass doors were restored with colonial glass, while the fence wall was reconstructed in the same way, highlighting the local know-how in framework, carpentry and stone cutting.

Today, the house is open to the public via the Intermunicipal Tourist Office of the North (OTI), especially during European Heritage Days. The 20-metre-long stone outbuildings, as well as the old kitchen with its boucan (wood burning kitchen), are being restored to preserve this unique architectural and cultural heritage.

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