Hôtel du Vieux-Raisin

The Hôtel du Vieux Raisin in Toulouse, France is a Renaissance hôtel particulier of the 16th century. This townhouse is surely one of the most beautiful private mansions of the time. It was built for Berenger Maynier, professor of law, lord of Canac and Gallice and capitoul in 1515–1516; The style chosen was that of this period, strongly influenced by Italian Renaissance architecture.

History

Hôtel du Vieux Raisin is based on a fifteenth-century building, which stood on the huge plot of the neighbouring Hôtel Dahus and was later partially demolished to make way for Rue Ozenne. Dating from this period are the embrasures and gargoyles in the upper part of the façade that looks over Rue José Félix.

In 1515, lawyer Béringuier Maynier purchased the house and undertook building restoration. A new house was added to the original building, to separate the courtyard from the garden, and given a staircase tower on either side. The house was extended with two short wings. In the courtyard, on the side adjoining the garden and Rue José Félix, many richly decorated windows were installed. Busts medallions were placed between the openings on the great tower in the courtyard.

From 1547 to 1577 the house was owned by magistrate Jean Burnet. The main courtyard took on an idealized form (square) with the extensions of the wings. The entrance was closed off with a portico inspired by the loggia of the Hôtel d'Assézat (Doric columns, mixture of brick and stone). The coffers continue to show Burnet's arms and those of his wife.

Next, Pierre de Lancrau, a bishop who owned the property between 1580 and 1591, heightened the great staircase tower and installed in the main courtyard several windows featuring telamons.

Address: 36 Rue du Languedoc, 31000 Toulouse, France
Function: Palace
Architectural styles: Gothic architecture, Renaissance architecture