Built in 1732 by the architect Jean-Sylvain Cartaud, the palatial Parisian residence at 65 rue de Varenne underwent various renovations over the next two hundred years, as ownership and fashions changed. This ground plan of the house and gardens was drawn up by the architect Huvé, who was hired by the vicomte de Rochefoucauld to make adjustments to the building for his sister-in-law, the comtesse de la Suze, who resided there. Huvé trained in the tradition of the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, whose influence can be noted in the strictly symmetrical arrangement of the rooms. In addition, Huvé was probably responsible for the small belvedere in the back of the garden, which follows Palladian principles in its design.