The Sander Pierron house: an Art Nouveau gem in Ixelles

Jean-Marc Delcroix
18 March 2025

Nestled in the heart of Ixelles, at 157 rue de l’Aqueduc, the Sander Pierron house is a unique creation by Victor Horta, one of the greatest architects of Art Nouveau. Designed in 1903, this bourgeois house bears witness to a period when Horta was moving towards a more refined style, due to the budgetary constraints imposed by his client. Now listed as a heritage site by the Brussels-Capital Region since 1998, this emblematic residence is being put on the market by Christie’s International Real Estate Belgium, offering architecture lovers a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional property.

Sander Pierron: writer, art critic and architecture enthusiast

Sander Pierron (1872-1945) was not only an influential writer and journalist of his time, he was also a fervent admirer of emerging artistic movements, including Art Nouveau. From a modest background, he began his career as a typographer before establishing himself as an art critic. A friend of literary figures such as Georges Eekhoud and Émile Verhaeren, Pierron played an important role in disseminating new artistic trends in Belgium. His close relationship with Victor Horta was evident not only in his admiration for the architect’s work, but also in the commission he received for the house that was to become his intellectual refuge.

Innovative, uncluttered architecture

Unlike Victor Horta’s most flamboyant creations, the Sander Pierron house reflects a more sober approach, dictated by limited financial resources. Yet this sobriety in no way detracts from the architectural richness of the building. The façade, composed of polychrome red and white bricks – a first for Horta – is punctuated by touches of blue stone that structure the base and frame the entrance door.

A balcony on the top floor, with its typically Art Nouveau lines, highlights the importance of Sander Pierron’s office, where he wrote from this light-filled space. Remarkably fine ironwork adorns the door and elements of the façade, illustrating Horta’s attention to detail.

A preserved and refined interior

The interior layout follows a classic pattern, with a kitchen in the basement, a living room facing the street and a dining room facing the garden. However, the richness of the interior decoration is a direct testimony to Horta’s expertise. The entrance hall is adorned with refined mosaics and leads to two staircases: a main wooden staircase with an ornate banister, and a second white marble staircase leading to the basement.

The first floor houses the library, a space designed with flowing pitch-pine elements, embellished with yellow ochre stained glass doors that delicately filter the light. The meticulously crafted door handles are reminiscent of the plant-like curves so dear to Art Nouveau.

A unique opportunity on the property market

Buying the Sander Pierron house is much more than buying a property: it’s becoming the owner of a piece of Brussels history, designed by one of the greatest masters of Art Nouveau. This residence, preserved in its original state, represents an exceptional opportunity for any lover of architecture and heritage.

Christie’s International Real Estate Belgium is proud to offer this unique property for sale. For further information or to arrange a viewing, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

Find out more about this Art Nouveau house on our website via this link.