La Porte Rouge RBX

There are certain houses that, without knowing or wanting to, serve as witnesses. La Porte Rouge, in Roubaix, is one of them. Witnesses to this are the foundations in the garden, those of the Motte-Bossut factory, known as the “monster factory,” which employed up to 10,000 workers in this city that is said to have had 1,000 chimneys. Witnesses are these black-and-white photos. Nathalie spent twenty years in fashion and interior design and worked with some big names. Witnesses are these ultra-contemporary spaces and red wood-clad extensions designed by architect Jean-Charles. Witness is this wall, a remnant of what was for more than half a century a healthcare center for infants, La Goutte de Lait. The ceramic tiles found during the renovation and laid in the bathroom are further evidence. And then there is the homemade breakfast, served on tableware made by Nathalie, now also a ceramist, glazed with ash from Andalusian olive pits. Nathalie and Jean-Charles have also dropped anchor in southern Spain. A model home that passes the baton and reveals itself once you step through the red door.