Timothy Corrigan's Chateau du Grand-Luce
Details
Credits
From Compass
Considered one of the most precious examples of 18th century French neoclassical architecture, the magnificent Chateau du Grand-Luce is located an hour by train from Paris, in the famed Loire Valley. The 40,000 sq. ft limestone residence is a privately owned French National Landmark that recently underwent an extensive restoration by Architectural Digest “AD100” designer Timothy Corrigan. The chateau's grand yet gracious interior boasts perfectly proportioned rooms that retain all of their original detailing: hand carved boiserie, limestone and parquet floors, fireplaces and a salon painted by the 18th century master, Jean-Baptiste Pillement.
On the edge of a charming village, one finds the gates which lead to the chateau's formal courtyard. Directly behind the monumental façade of the chateau is a lake, forest, expansive gardens, and fields that are revealed only once one steps inside the home.
Interior Description
(3000 m2)
Ground Floor: Beyond the spacious and welcoming entry hall lies the magnificent grand salon, with its beautifully carved architectural and decorative elements, and formal gardens just beyond. All of the major rooms are connected via a traditional enfilade of doors, including the formal dining room, library, the Salon Chinois with original Pillement murals, and master suite. Also on the main floor is the informal dining room, fully equipped kitchen with parquet de Versailles floors, pantry, den/television room and two powder rooms. An elevator goes directly to the garden level with stops on the ground and first floors.
First Floor: A grand tuffeau limestone staircase leads to a wide hallway appointed with sofas, chairs and bookcases. Each of the nine bedrooms is uniquely decorated and has ensuite bathrooms with showers. Four of the bathrooms also have bathtubs.
Second Floor: A wooden staircase leads to the five bedrooms on the second floor, each with ensuite bathroom, offering a shower and bathtub. One additional bedroom has a bathroom with shower located across the hall. There are two staircases to the first floor as well as access via a large elevator. Four remaining very large bedroom suites are still in need of re-furbishment.
The Formal Gardens: Unfolding directly behind the chateau is a long broad gravel allé with grass beds and low hedges sculpted symmetrically and dotted with conical topiary shrubs on either side of it. To one side of this center parterre can be found a series of interconnected green rooms, or garden spaces adorned with a fountain, statuary and a variety of flowers. On the other side is an additional chamber de verdure.
The Exotic Garden: Located at a lower elevation than the formal parterre, the exotic garden is surrounded by high walls which protect the unique variety of floral species and provide privacy when swimming in the circular heated swimming pool. Two fully restored greenhouses are also located as a part of the Exotic Garden.
The Kitchen Garden: Located below the formal parterre, the pottager's quadrants are divided by three fountains. The Kitchen Garden includes: spring bulbs, perennial flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables, so there is something of beauty to be found from early spring through late autumn. There are also apple and pear trees.
The Lake: Sitting at the property's low point, the lake forms a soothing divide between the chateau's fully landscaped grounds and the semi-wild meadow that rises gently up from it. Swans, geese and other wildlife are frequent visitors.
The Forest: Reached via a grand tree lined allé, the chateau's forest is filled with some of the finest oaks to be found in France. The paths are dotted with statues, busts and decorative objects, some exact copies of ones at Versailles that were a gift from Louis XV. Park benches are found throughout the fields and woods.
Other Buildings: The former stables have been converted into a theatre which can be used for conferences, concerts and receptions. An orangery houses trees during the winter, but in warm months becomes the perfect place to host an informal dinner. The original chapel on the property has been beautifully restored. An informal game room and gym are also in a building directly adjoining the chateau.
Details and Amenities:
The 30 hectare (74 acres) property is enclosed by a wall with two motor-controlled entrances
Central heating system with two large fuel gas heaters.
Each room has several radiators.
Wireless Internet
Elevator
Two Wine cellars
Laundry Room
Linen room
24 original stone fireplaces in main Chateau
2 Greenhouses
Orangery
Theater
Private circular heated swimming pool (6 meters x 2 meters deep)
Ample parking for at least 20 automobiles in the rear courtyard
6 Garages
Three large staff apartments (Four bedrooms, two bedrooms and one bedroom)
Hemicycle
Helicopter landing field
Also available with all furnishings