There's a castle in South Forbes

MANILA, Philippines - Why settle for an ordinary house when you can get a castle instead? But that castle will look out of context unless you live in a dreamy, fancifully-French enclave complete with extravagant gardens -- Châteaux de Paris in South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, recipient of the Best Golf Community Development by the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, and, recently, the Highly Commended Award for Best Development by the 2010 Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Residential Award.

“In South Forbes, we give our residents the home of their dreams,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “Our Chambord model chateau is a modern rendition of a French palace which gives the impression of romance, aristocracy, and sophistication.”

Coup de foudre. The Chambord exterior already hints of a palace with a turret on one side of the house, a unique feature that sets the model chateau apart from all others. The classic blue and white palette with a touch of natural stones in keeping with the chateau appeal and capped with a shingle roof for a distinguished look dresses up the whole façade.

C’est Magnifique. The interiors of Chambord were created to bring back the old world charm that is characteristic of many of our parents’ and grandparents’ homes but updated to meet the modern lifestyle. But it is a house that has no generation bias. While the house appears to be rich in history with pieces that have been handed down from generation to generation, it is also mixed in with sleek and clean lines of modernity.

For the living room, traditional furniture have been streamlined and modified to give the room a traditional yet modern feel. Burgundy, a rich color on its own, was accentuated by bright yellows and greens as also seen in the furniture and the art works on the wall -- making the room feel sunny and bright. Stainless steel and glass accents and other smaller furniture pieces update the whole setting to transport it beyond its 18th century roots.

The dining room uses modern Louis XV furniture that is juxtaposed against an ornate chandelier. These elements seen together would normally be enough to set a mood and character to the room but, in this case, they are contrasted with a modern glass table. The fabrics, a selection of both monochromatic but traditional patterns, continue the theme from one room into the next.

The den beside the living room, usually the venue for family activities, may be converted into an entertainment center or even an office.

Bonsoir. When evening comes, a chandelier illuminates one’s trip up flight of stairs to the second level where all bedrooms are located. At the landing, one can look over at the double-volume living area.

The master bedroom, which occupies the whole left side of the house, is done in soothing, warm tones. Ceilings include Moroccan inspired chandeliers and light fixtures adding a layer of complexity to the room. Prior to the main bedroom is an anteroom, a small sitting area that includes a divan, that doubles as a TV room as well as a reading area for the occupants of the house.

The boy’s room is in a classic French red, white, and blue while the girl’s room is in a more delicate yellow with beddings that resemble ceramic patterns. Adjacent to the children’s room is a study where they can complete their school work before retiring for the night or enjoying quality time with their parents.

Jardin des Plantes. The French are known for their love of the outdoors as evident in their elegant parks located all around Paris. Each resident is encouraged to cultivate his own garden in keeping with the enclave’s theme. Châteaux de Paris also boasts of six themed pocket gardens where families can enjoy time with each other as well as find connection with the beauty of nature.

Live happily ever after. Move in right here, right now. Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or log on to www.southforbes.com for more information.