House Roussel

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Roussel House is an iconic residence on the island of La Réunion, located at 18 rue Charles Baudelaire, in the municipality of Tampon. Built in the second half of the 19th century, it embodies the Creole architecture of this period, marked by the influence of landowners and Saint Peter's notables. This estate, one of the few still preserved in its original spatial organization, is distinguished by its facade in laminated sheet metal, recovered from a house dismantled from Saint-Pierre. Central driveway, bordered by an orchard, leads to the home, while the back is home to masonry drying areas, formerly dedicated to coffee, as well as shops and a corn mill.

The Roussel property illustrates the way of life of the 19th century Réunion agricultural elites, combining main residence and production infrastructure. The terraces behind the house, bounded by walls for the flow of water, testify to agricultural techniques adapted to the volcanic relief of the island. In the east, the former stable yard houses a geranium alembic, a vestige of fragrant crops that complemented the estate's income. Ranked a historic monument in 2006, Roussel House offers a rare example of both architectural, landscape and functional preservation, reflecting the economic and social history of La Réunion.

The site also retains industrial elements such as the alambic, covered with a wooden structure on masonry base, recalling the importance of profitable crops (geranium, coffee) in the local economy. Charles Baudelaire Street, formerly bordered by similar residences, has seen the disappearance of most of these areas, strengthening the heritage value of the Roussel property. Its listing in the inventory of historic monuments highlights its role as a material witness to the rural and aristocratic history of the island, between colonial heritage and local adaptations.

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