Chateau des Reves
Chateaux des Reves was built by acclaimed Architect John C. Henry’s unknown treasures imaginatively conceived upon Gothic precedent and Old World charm. Greco-Roman detail is uniquely mixed with French Renaissance proportion.
Mr. Henry was commissioned to detail completely the exterior treatments and 4 interior spaces: the Foyer, Dining Room, Living Room, and Study. An interior designer completed the remainder of the interiors. Nestled behind pines and oak trees on a secluded road and sited on a gradually sloped crest with a spectacular view to a pristine Florida lake, lies a magnificent estate designed along Gothic sensibilities but containing all of the latest contemporary amenities.
Chateaux des Reves was planned to offer privacy, security, and a sublime spirit. The client decided on a French theme for their ultimate Dream Home. Not only was it to be an accommodating Period study, the house was to be designed employing ancient geometrical principals including the Fibonacci Series and the Golden Section.
The architect used all manner of Euclidean geometry tying together the square, rectangle, octagon, hectagon, and circle into a pleasing 3 dimensional tapestry. In an age of architectural nihilism, a return to tradition became the principle on which was based proportion, grace, and beauty.
Conceived to contrast with its Mediterranean themed neighbors, this particular site of towering trees and lush green seems appropriate for the asymmetrically laid out elevation and plan, characteristic of rustic French dwellings. The home has a simple open gate approach from the lightly traveled lake road and towers over 45’. A gray tile roof generally pitched with hip elements grows from the undulating façade marked by stucco and stone accents. A small turret, high to the right, completes the illusion.
A large covered porch traced by three graceful arches beckons to the entry door, a beautiful wood and wrought iron design framed by carved stone. Inside, stone and plaster details abound; with hand carved stained wood and synthetic materials cleverly woven together. The classical theme permeates the structure. Arches and columns delineate passageways and frame views. Beautiful wood floors contrast with marble and stone. Breathtaking crown moldings and vaulted ceilings arrest the eye. It is a study of classical proportion in plan and elevation.
Formal Living, Study, and Family rooms; Kitchen, Dining, Billiard, Play, Exercise and Master Suite are located on the first level. Hammerhead beams evoke the Gothic cathedral ceiling of the double height Children’s Play Room. A long transverse corridor is the central circulation spine. An easy and interesting flow of space permeates through interior balconies and walkways.
Despite the formal stance, the house feels like home. Strategically spaced windows and doors can be opened during the cooler months to allow free-flowing breezes to waft through the house from the lake. The sun permeates the water view rear decks and pool on the south year round.
The highly decorative and stone faced double height sky-lit Foyer with grand stairway impresses the visitor, while looking straight ahead through a hand carved Palladian Arch, the lake view is apparent through the breathtaking 29 foot high south exposure Living Room with barrel coffered ceiling. The pride of the Living or Ball Room is the nearly 24’ high stone detailed baroque fireplace.
On the opposite wall is a Music Niche trimmed in complementary stone. Under the Grand Stair is a wrought iron gate with access from both the Foyer and Dining into a Wine Cellar. A glimpse down to the Elliptical Dining Room is possible as one ascends the dramatic L shaped Grand Stair to secondary bedrooms above. The Dining Room has delicate moldings set off slightly from the warm toned plaster the beautiful finished carved walls.