Book excerpt: The artefacts and decor within the most beautiful historic private homes in Paris are revealed in this book. The doors are thrown open on a number of remarkable houses, including those of Baron Guy de Rothschild, Hubert de Givenchy, the Duchesse de Guermantes, the Comte et Comtesse d'Ornano, the fabled salons of the Duchesse de Berry aand Madame de Stael as well as the residence of the British Ambassador, known as the Hotel de Harost.