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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Primerose villa, located in Fort-de-France in Martinique, was built in 1906 by the architect Raoul de Jaham. This architectural prototype blended influences from the southern United States and Antillean Creole elements, typical of the colonial houses of Didier Road. Built of wood on three levels, it was distinguished by its balconies decorated with crosses, a style taken from later buildings on the same plot.

The villa and its outbuildings were listed as historic monuments on 26 July 2004, recognizing their heritage value. However, while it was being restored, a fire completely destroyed it on the night of 22 July 2014. This sinister event marked the end of a unique architectural testimony, despite its protected status.

The Primerose villa illustrated Martinique's colonial heritage, where bourgeois homes reflected the mixture of cultures and constructive techniques. Its wooden architecture, rare for the time, and its decorations inspired by Antillean plantations made it a symbol of local heritage. The property, owned by a private company, also included two outbuildings and a fence wall, all protected by the 2004 Order.

Prior to its destruction, the villa was located at 72 rue du Professeur-Raymond-Garcin, an emblematic address of Fort-de-France. Its location, close to the EU road, made it a visible landmark in the urban landscape. Despite its disappearance, it remains referenced in heritage bases such as Mérimée, demonstrating its historical and architectural importance.

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