Urban Exploration - The Happy House

We received photos from a traveler and compiled them into a historical summary.

The Happy House—one could say it has a thousand and one virtues. The first, quite simply, is that I didn't expect it at all. I’ve been circling this place for two years without once realizing that getting inside was so easy. Consequently, the element of surprise was only heightened. And "happy" because, although unfurnished, it offers a beautiful collection of wallpapers, all wonderfully outdated. Right in the city center—you can hear people passing by—so easy and so ingenuous, the place is a joy.

Beyond that, the description is exactly as it was given to me, quite honestly. Sophie told me: "You’ll see, it’s very tired." Indeed, there is no other word for it.

The house belongs to the city, which bears the inheritance like a burden: what is to be done with such a property? In reality, the ground floor is prone to flooding. You see the place, then you look toward the river and think: "How on earth is that possible?" That’s our country for you. Certain flood episodes can be very, very nasty. Sincerely, it’s hard to believe. At the neighboring soccer field, a sign indicates the flood level. It feels surreal; you tell yourself they must have made a mistake.

This house used to shelter three families. On the first floor, in rather plush quarters, lived the Armand family. Upstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Henri Pracht. Next door, no idea—the doorbell has lost its label. Originally, this manor house was a spinning mill, and the Armand family ran a silk thread workshop there. The entire mill section has since been renovated into housing and a community hall.

In a rather rare move that deserves praise, the town hall has taken a specific course of action for this site. They don't know what to do with it, and in the heart of the city, this wreck weighs on the landscape like a dismal boat washed up on the edge of a parking lot. Consequently, they have launched a public consultation to gather ideas, needs, and projects from the residents. This ambition to renovate through a democratic process is something to be supported. Therefore, it is with silence and discretion that I lead you through the rooms of this manor, hoping you enjoy the visit.