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Heritage classified

Origin and history

Villa Folio, also known as Folio House, is an iconic 19th-century Creole architecture residence located in Hell-Bourg, an island of the Salazie circus on the island of La Réunion. This imputrescible wooden building, typical of the local buildings of the time, has retained its original structure although its interiors have been renovated identically. The villa illustrates the practice of the "air change" adopted by the élite Réunion, which fled the lower part of the island for the more temperate heights during the warm season.

The surrounding tropical garden consists of several spaces highlighting the exuberant flora of the region, including tree ferns. An annex contains period objects, such as household utensils (fridge ancestor, bathtub, kettle) and a collection of local wood essences, reflecting the 19th century lifestyle and craftsmanship. These elements, combined with the villa and its outbuildings (courts, fountains, kiosks), motivated its inscription in historical monuments on 6 April 1989.

Villa Folio, with its architectural and landscape ensemble, bears witness to both the know-how of the Réunion carpenters and the social habits of the colonial bourgeoisie. Its location in the heart of Salazie, a UNESCO World Heritage natural circus for its landscapes and biodiversity, reinforces its heritage interest. Today, it remains a preserved example of La Réunion's cultural and architectural heritage, accessible to the public for visits or events.

The exact address of the villa is 5 (or 20) rue Admiral-Lacaze in Salazie, although the sources vary slightly on this point. Its state of conservation and its openness to the public make it a key place to understand the domestic history and traditions of the island in the 19th century.

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