Mansion in an eclectic style, tinged with references to the Italian Renaissance, 1872-1897; personal house of the architect Paul Saintenoy (1862-1952).
In 1897, the architect bought the house, dating from 1872, from stockbroker Ferdinand Grosjean. On this date, Paul Saintenoy renovated the facade and enlarged the house with an annex. The garden originally extended to rue Mercelis, but was divided and built in in 1954 (rue Mercelis no 56 and 58). The Saintenoy family lived in the house until the death of Paul Saintenoy in 1952. Since 1956, it has been the property of the Hungarian Catholic Mission.
The interior faithfully reflects the eclectic tastes of the owner. Architect and restorer, Paul Saintenoy asserted himself around 1900 as one of the representatives of Art Nouveau (see Old England, 1899), while taking a great interest in historicist architecture (see Pharmacie Delacre, 1895). Defender of the old architecture of Brussels, he also established himself as a restorer, notably of the Ravensteinhof (1899). The interior of his house not only refers to these different styles, but also uses materials salvaged from Brussels houses demolished at the time.
