Lieu

The Venue

Of outstanding architectural quality, this 17th-century merchant's house stands at the interface between land and sea. A unique main body flanked by two return wings with gable ends facing the street. This island of tranquility boasts a beautiful garden — a small Eden sheltered from the world by magnificent period walls.

 
MAB - Une maison d'armateur du XVIIe
In the heart of Roscoff

A 17th-century shipowner's mansion

Unfortunately neglected for far too long, dilapidated and structurally unstable, this listed Historic Monument deserves a complete restoration. The aim is to transform this exceptional space into a vibrant, high-value venue and open it fully to the public, including its garden. Architecture is at the heart of both the project and the curation — serving simultaneously as a narrative foundation and an immersive work.

Discover its rehabilitation
A rescue project

Saved from ruin through its recent acquisition

A Roscoff family experienced in managing heritage rehabilitation projects since 1996 has acquired the building and established the non-profit Association "Les Amis du MAB", in order to contribute to the common good.

Discover the Association
MAB - La demeure a été sauvée de la ruine par sa récente acquisition
MAB - Etude du patrimoine de la Ville de Roscoff et de son territoire
The Gabled Shipowner's House

Heritage Study

Spatial organisation

Plot sequence, exterior spaces, interior uses

  • harbour street – courtyard – house – walled "strip garden"
  • planted courtyard facing the street
  • reception room and bedroom facing the street, utility rooms and toilet on the courtyard side
     

Access

  • from the street-facing courtyard, directly into the living quarters
  • no hatch access to the cellar
  • garden access through the main ground-floor room
     

Vertical circulation

  • engaged staircase turret, on the garden side
  • serves cellars, ground floor, upper floor and attic

Morphological criteria

  • Return wings facing the street
  • engaged staircase turret of a more "medievalising" character
  • planted courtyard facing the street
  • deep, enclosed strip garden
     

Typological architectural features

  • medieval transomed windows on the gable ends
  • chamfered corner incorporating openings
Access the Historic Monuments listing record »

Source: Roscoff, Heritage Study of the Town and its Territory. École de Chaillot. Nicolas Clairand & Dimitri Dupuis, 2019

MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
The Walled Garden

The garden — a place for strolling and relaxation, adorned with sculptures

MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures
MAB - Le Jardin un lieu de promenade et de repos agrémenté de sculptures