French grandeur at South Forbes

Paris is the dream destination of most people, especially those with an eye for beauty. You need not travel to another continent to experience its beauteous grandeur. Thanks to the developers of South Forbes Golf City, you get a semblance of Parisian life through its latest project, Châteaux de Paris.

"Our newest innovative project at South Forbes will feature homes inspired by the grandeur of the lovely city of Paris," explains Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. "Sprawling gardens will be reminiscent of Paris’ landscaped parks and flowers from all colors of the spectrum."

Ng takes aesthetic diversity further by offering these visions of grandeur in three distinct grades. Three model chateaus, Chambord, Chantilly, and Fontainebleau, all named after famous royal chateaus in Paris, should be representative of the different tastes and personalities of homeowners. The classical Chambord is decked with interiors that recall old-fashioned Parisian elements, like elaborate art. The contemporary Chantilly features sleek items reminiscent of the creations of French style maverick Philippe Starck. The modern Fontainebleau takes you further into the future by utilizing straight lines and fresh furniture designs.

Just as a visit to the three chateaus would simulate a trip to France, each style recalls the character of the tourist in you.

The traditionalist should be impressed by the intricate elements of the Chambord. At the classical chateau, the areas are furnished to recall Old World opulence without the overindulgence. The chairs at the den, the dining room and kitchen, for instance, make use of romantic silhouettes from the time of King Louis XIV. But the application of earthy fabrics creates the impression of practicality and comfort. Even more striking is the use of topiary, inspired by French Baroque gardens, to give a refreshing sense of the outdoors. The bedroom’s blue also gives contemporary balance to the more old-fashioned burgundies and golds found in the details of the design. The latter hues associated with the French chateaus of yore are then made easy on the modern eye.

The attention to detail should suit the art-lover who makes a trip to the museum part of his or her itinerary; likewise the nostalgic homeowner who sees character and value in antiquity. The Chambord is also ideal for the generous host, who welcomes the opportunity to entertain guests who appreciate attention to detail.

Young couples, on the other hand, should have Chantilly as their perfect first home. Just as honeymooners fall in love all over again while at Parisian cafes with a view of the Eiffel tower, this updated French chateau redefines romance. A departure from the Baroque French tradition with its use of dark wood furniture and muted fabrics, the space is stripped of embellishments. Note the simple designs of the pieces chosen for the living room, dining room and bedroom, which are founded on the premise of fine-tuning the classics. But the Baroque sense of style and drama is still sustained by the fabric treatment exemplified by the living room drapes.

Finally, the modern Fontainebleau taps into the backpacker’s sense of adventure. The minimalist design of the living and dining areas are appropriate for the no-frills individualist. It’s for the newly promoted young professional looking for his or her first investment, given the sparse furnishings that adopt the philosophy of quality over quantity. Non-traditional materials, such as glass and steel, are blended with traditional French fabric in contemporary colors throughout the space. The chateau is for the risk-taker who still intends to cover his bets by buying property that’s bold in design but secure as a financial asset.

Find out which among the Chambord, Chantilly , and Fontainebleau will suit your fancy, and get a free golf membership to the 18-Hole South Forbes Golf Club as your reward. Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 or visit www.southforbes.com for a tripping to South Forbes in Metro Sta. Rosa.