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The old, English colonial-style mansion, also known as the 'house of the 109 doors' is a long, low building dating back to the nineteenth century, which nestles at the foot of a sheltering hill. A verandah runs all the way around the house, which is constructed in timber and painted white. Its gleaming polished floors and its row of shuttered attic windows serve to highlight the french style of the house. |
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The old, English colonial-style mansion, also known as the 'house of the 109 doors' is a long, low building dating back to the nineteenth century, which nestles at the foot of a sheltering hill. A verandah runs all the way around the house, which is constructed in timber and painted white. Its gleaming polished floors and its row of shuttered attic windows serve to highlight the french style of the house.
At the rear of the house which is still sometimes called 'grand case', name given by the slaves and the servants, are found the pavillons, modest brick houses, a sheltered garden and an old kitchen with its wooden stoves...
History of the house
The history of the house is also very interesting, specially when narrated by the owner himself, Jacques Planteau de Maroussem, who relates with an exquisite charm the various events from different periods of the property: the change of ownership and their problems.
The house was built by Mr. Carr, a british notable who wanted to be nearer to 'Le Réduit' where the governor lived. We hence learn that a certain Reculé sold the property "of spices and sugar canes" to Mr. Montmirail who left the french revolution in 1793. In 1812, Mr. et Mrs. Robinson bought the property and later sold it to Mr. Eugène Leclézio in 1856, father of Sir Eugène Leclézio, chief justice and Sir Henry Leclézio, attorney and member of the Legislative Assembly.
"This house is the most important belonging of my family, and now it is destined to be parcelled and sold out in small plots." writes Jean Marie Le Clézio in his novel 'Voyage à Rodrigues'. Jacques de Marroussem adds that in 1985, a real estate agent wanted to pull down the house in order to parcel out the land. However a miracle happenned! The project was abandonned and we bought back Eurêka.
Even if the main attraction remains "the house with the 109 doors", converted into a museum, the property will delight all nature lovers. In fact, with its kilometers of tracks dedicated to footing, there are many small waterfalls, endemic plants and rare specimens along the tracks. The visitor enters a world of peace and calm.
The english style gardens have replaced the sugar cane fields and spice trees which were originally at Eurêka. Nowadays one can find at Eurêka different palm trees, mango trees, and a gigantic damaras (agathis robusta) and one of the best example is in fact found at Euréka ... You can have a glimpse of the lush greenery which surrounds the house scented flowers, 'jasmines' in the garden.
Strolling deeper into the garden, one can find the azaleas and the camellias as well as the endemic ochna from South Africa.
Nearer to the house, the geraniums and green plants (lait caillé, caladium, orchids and ferns) is an invitation to a cup of tea under the verandahs where the light is filtered by the raffia blinds (raffia: tree with the biggest leaves - 10 mts).
The Waterfalls
Four magnificent small waterfalls can be seen while the river banks are a real habitat for 'the water lillies(pistis), 'jacinte d'eau', 'songes' (edible). Under the water surface an intense marine activity goes on for the 'scampi, madame Céré' (name derived from the wife of the governor Céré), tilapias, carp and eels which can be found in abundance.
The clear water of the river, where fish are peacefully swimming and the chirping birds create an experience of calmness.
The River banks
Much below, at the foot of the house, in the valleys of Moka, a beautiful legend looms large: in the shade of the ferns, the legend of Pierre Poivre, governor, and his slave who carved a tub in the rocks for his master.
In the beginning, the property of Eurêka didn't include the other side of the river banks. The other side belonged to Bagatelle, property of Pierre Poivre, botanist and founder of the Pamplemousses garden. Poivre requested that small canals to be carved in the rocks to prevent stagnant water which allows the development of malaria, a tub for the children and a small natural jacuzzi ...
Endemic Plants
Eurêka hosts some rare endemic plants ....Here is a list of some of them...
Bois pipe, Bois colophane Bâtard, Bois en poudre, Makak, Manglier vert, Bois de Rivière, Bois puant, Bois de Clou, Bois de Pomme, Bois de Fer, Liane à gratter, Mapou, the famous Chalta (gaufrier dillenia indica - the tree of good and evil from 'Le Chercheur D'or')
Some of the indigenous plants of the property:
Fougères Adiantum Hispidulum, Bois mozambique, Bois sureau, Bois de Chandelle, Bois Bouquet Banané, Bois de Merle, Bois à trois feuilles, Bois chenille, Ebenier, Tatamaka...
Our Services
Eurêka can now provide several facilities for a more pleasant visit. Besides visiting the museum, you can now organise to have lunch at Euréka, whether alone or in a group, celebrate special occasions and even rent our 'guest house’ for a peaceful stay in a lush and verdant set-up...
The guesthouse - Soeur St George
The guesthouse 'Pavillon de la Soeur St-George' is situated in a very quiet green corner of the garden. Small double-bedded room, the guest-house is equipped with bathroom and kitchenette (fridge, microwave oven, kettle, toaster).
"Le Billard" Conference Hall
'Le Billard' is a conference hall set up in a lush green spot of the property. It has been renovated recently and has kept an authentic appeal. The hall is equipped with chairs, tables, reflectors, etc, andl can accommodate a maximum of 40 people (40 seats).
Catering Service
Eurêka also takes charge of the catering service for any conference that you want to organise at Le Billard. You can thus contact us in advance so that we may organise lunch, dinner, tea or snacks for your guests.
Reception Hall "River Café"
Spacious reception hall, the River Café has a magnificent view on the river Moka and can accomodate more than 25 persons. It is the ideal setting to celebrate a wedding or any occasion with your friends and family. At night, the play of lights turn the place into a magical place.
You can also book different other parts of the garden: in front of the house for instance, the inner garden (at the back of the house), Le Billard (for a more intimate occasion) and in the private garden of Le Billard.
Our Shops
You can find a large variety of gifts to buy for your friends and families, for instance mauritian tea, scented candles,, spices, exotic jewellery, jams, books, scarfs,...)
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