France’s Chateau de Chambord, with its grand, French Renaissance architecture and expansive grounds, inspired this impressive Virginia estate. One of the most iconic chateaux in the world, Chateau Chambord was commissioned by King Francis I. And as it neared completion, Francis was keen on showing it off, inviting his old archrival Charles V.
Belle Demeure, located at 801 Turkey Run Road in Mclean, Virginia might not be quite as expansive as the chateau that inspired it, but it’s nearly as breathtaking, and we’re certain you’ll want to show it off to your friends… or your archrivals, if you have them.
The Royal Grounds in Mclean, Virginia
This stately home may only be two stoplights from our nation’s capital, but it’s surrounded by more than two acres of lush, green forest. You’ll feel like the lord or lady of your own, private hunting grounds when you gaze out the window at your lovely manicured landscaping and the brilliant green woods beyond.
An elegant fountain in the center of the front drive compliments the chateau-style architecture perfectly, and there’s a saltwater pool and water feature on the back patio, just in case you feel like cooling off.
Making an Entrance
Beyond the limestone façade and mahogany front door, you’ll step into a spacious foyer, the perfect place to make a grand entrance. If you’d like, you could even hire someone to announce your arrival, but that might get old once the novelty wears off.
Still, entering beneath the high-domed ceiling and elegant chandelier certainly seems like an event worthy of fanfare. The foyer’s sensuously curved staircase with its custom iron railing adds to the grandeur of this regal entryway.
On the main floor, you’ll find a formal living room with a custom fireplace, intricate moldings, and bright and cheery domed windows.
On the other side of the entryway, there’s a dining room perfect for entertaining, with its detailed plaster ceilings, warm hardwood floors, and its own hand-carved limestone fireplace. An elegant chandelier hangs over the dining table, giving off just the right light for enjoying sparkling conversation and sumptuous meals with guests.
Ruling Is Hard Work
Need to get some work done at home? You could hardly ask for a better environment. This home has a spacious office with wonderful views of the outside world, and an elegant library complete with cherry wood walls, intricate lion’s head moldings, coffered cherry ceilings, and a turret that allows for sweeping panoramic vistas of the grounds. Of course, you don’t have to do any actual work; it’s a perfect venue for a quiet pleasure read as well.
The Chateau Galley
Hosting a sizable fete? Your kitchen staff will be able to prepare meals efficiently and quickly in this amazing kitchen. With its state of the art appliances, marble-topped central island, custom cabinetry, and ornate copper range hood, it brings old-world charm together with modern convenience, for a culinary experience that’s the best of both worlds.
Belle Demeure’s Master Bedroom
After a long day of dealing with your loyal subjects, you’ll need a suitable place to retire for the evening. Belle Demeure’s master bedroom is just such a refuge. With its warm color palate, domed ceilings, cozy sitting room, and wealth of natural light, it’s spacious yet cozy. There’s a limestone fireplace for romantic evenings, and above the mantle, you’ll find a television concealed behind a convincing and tasteful faux painting.
The master bath is full of wonderful details, as well. There’s a bespoke onyx mosaic floor, dual water closets, and a walk-in shower complete with onyx and marble floors and walls, which are heated to avoid unpleasant brushes with cold stone when showering.
Fun and Games in Virginia
When you and your guests tire of swimming in the saltwater pool or sitting on the expansive terrace, you can bring the party downstairs to the card room, the billiards room, or the home theater, each equipped to make entertaining a breeze, and each as elegant as the last.
Wine, Anyone?
This is no mere wine cellar at Belle Demeure. Instead, on the lower floor of the home, you’ll find a spacious wine grotto with custom bottle storage, tasting bar, Turkish travertine floors, and stone and plaster walls. The ambiance alone will make every taste of wine you ever sample here, that much more amazing.
Elegance Defined at Belle Demeure
This is one of those rare homes that has the capacity to make those who live in it truly feel like royalty. It’s brimming with wonderful architectural flourishes and design elements. It offers a host of creature comforts that most homes can only aspire to. It’s surrounded by verdant wilderness, but it’s only a short drive away from our nation’s capital. Best of all, it can be yours for $12.9 million.
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