In the heart of Bordeaux, France, right after World War I, Florence Ropelewski’s great-grandmother, Madeleine Geoffre, faced the daunting challenge of providing for her young son, Henri, after losing her husband in the war. With no other choice, Madeleine embarked on a pioneering journey in real estate to care for her child. In a time when money was scarce and options for trade and compensation were limited, Madeleine often received antiques in lieu of commissions. This scarcity demanded remarkable adaptability and a keen eye for value, traits she embodied with grace.
Henri Le Deunff, Florence’s grandfather, furthered her legacy in the bustling 1930s. After pursuing a degree in law, he became a beacon of real estate innovation. Henri brokered deals, managed, and invested in properties. His efforts culminated in founding Agence Le Deunff at 84 George Clemenceau (pictured above), a firm instrumental in Bordeaux’s urban renewal and the redevelopment of the city’s housing patrimony, which had been partly demolished after World War II. This period marked the beginning of a family tradition rooted in excellence and resilience.
Primarily an urban realtor, Henri rarely ventured outside Bordeaux. However, he was hired to handle the sale of Chateau Pavie in St. Emilion right after World War II, during a challenging period for the French wine business. With France’s primary wine importer being Germany, post-war relationships were strained, making this sale a significant milestone.
Fast forward to 2024, nearly a century later, and L’AGENCE finds its new home across the Atlantic in Downtown Napa, California. This isn’t just a continuation of a family legacy but a reinvention of it under the adept leadership of Florence Ropelewski.
Florence’s journey to real estate was uniquely her own. Initially drawn to Napa through an internship, her love for the region’s people, scenery, weather, and lifestyle transformed a temporary stay into a lifelong commitment. With a successful decade in wine and lifestyle branding and marketing for major local wineries under her belt, Florence decided to pivot. The allure of real estate, an echo of her heritage, proved irresistible.
Combining her branding expertise and deep community connections, Florence became a licensed realtor and launched L’AGENCE Napa Valley. This venture is not merely a business but a homage to her ancestors’ enduring spirit and a testament to her vision for the future. L’AGENCE Napa Valley stands as a bridge between past and present, offering unparalleled real estate services and fostering community through events, seminars, and social gatherings.
L’AGENCE Napa Valley is more than a real estate firm; it’s a family tradition carried forward with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Here, the Le Deunff/Ropelewski legacy continues to thrive, shaping Napa’s landscape and creating a vibrant community for generations to come.