Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The villa Theresa, located in Arcachon, was built in the last quarter of the 19th century, a period for seaside architecture. Designed by architects Miramont and Lecoeur, it embodies the eclectic style of the 1880s, where the rigorous structure hides under an exuberant decor. Red bricks, geometric ceramics, open balconies and windows of various shapes make up an anarchic but harmonious facade, while a gazebo overlooks the southeast corner, offering views of the whole.

Inside, the entrance hall impresses with its panelling and polychrome mosaics, reflecting the luxury of the era. A large living room houses mythological canvases signed by Charles Dartigues, a local artist, while the dining room retains a wooden painted ceiling illustrating the four seasons. These decorative elements, combined with exterior architecture, underline the opulence and refinement of secondary residences intended for the aristocracy and the seaside bourgeoisie.

Partially classified as historical monuments since 1980 (facades, roofs, vestibule and staircase), villa Theresa bears witness to the golden age of Arcachon as a popular seaside resort. Private property, it illustrates the know-how of the masters of the period, Miramont and Lecoeur, as well as the influence of artists such as Dartigues, whose interior works add a cultural dimension to the place. Its park and its location, at the André-Rebsomen driveway, make it a remarkable example of the regional architectural heritage.

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