Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Villa Charlotte, located at 8 rue Hubert-Colombier in Vichy (Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), is part of a group of villas built between 1897 and 1900 by Hubert Colombier, local banker and stickman. This real estate project included a main villa (the villa Jurietti) and several rental villas of various styles, including villa n°8 signed by architect Henri Décoret. The ensemble formed a private sanded track, closed by a chain, reflecting the prestige of the spa at the Belle Époque.

Hubert Colombier, Vichy's influential figure, designed this project to combine bourgeois habitat with seasonal rental. Villa Charlotte is distinguished by its facades and roofs protected since 1988, marked by neat architectural elements such as brick and stone bands, cast iron balconies, and Renaissance-inspired skylights. The monogram "HC" (Hubert Colombier) adorns certain parties, recalling its sponsor.

The partial inscription of historical monuments by order of 2 May 1988 concerns only facades and roofs, underlining the heritage value of this ensemble. The villa is part of the urban development of Vichy, linked to its thermal and social boom at the turn of the 20th century. Sources also mention possible confusion about its exact address (8 or 5 Hubert-Colombiar Street), reflecting discrepancies between the archives.

The architect Percilly is quoted as a masterpiece for some villas in the whole, although Villa Charlotte is attributed to Henri Décoret. The materials (stone, brick, cast iron) and decorative details (balcony, skylights) bear witness to an eclectic character characteristic of the period's seaside architecture, combining modern comfort and historical references.

External links