South Forbes' castle royale

MANILA, Philippines - Unlike castles of old complete with fortifications and battlemented parapets that keep invaders away, the grand clubhouse of 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, is one that welcomes everyone who approaches it.

“We have recently opened the newly-completed and fully-operational Châteaux de Paris clubhouse, a masterpiece which epitomizes a French fantasy made real,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “Now, Châteaux residents can enjoy this main perk of our French-themed enclave.”

Prepare to be Floored. On the approach to the clubhouse from the main gate, residents and visitors take a well-lit, tree-lined avenue reminiscent of the world-renowned Champs Elysée. At the end is a huge and elaborate garden, a palette of flowering plants seemingly embroidered on the ground which is a most regal welcome to all visitors as well as a fitting homage to the Gardens of the Tuileries or Versailles that has made the French capital the envy of the world. Immediately, such splendor can soothe the eyes of any beholder as its intricate design leaves one amazed.

The clubhouse exterior is one that inspires awe – a somewhat symmetrical façade save for a tower that rockets high on the left side. Its central entrance is a soaring glass panel from floor to roof that allows one to peer at the voluminous space inside. It is most especially impressive at night when light from within illuminates the whole structure through the windows.

At closer look, the clubhouse is surrounded by a moat of reflection pools whose rippled images recall of impressionist paintings inspired by Monet and Renoir. The moat extends to a 25-meter lap infinity-edge swimming pool at the rear, creating the illusion of overflowing to the river below. Listening to the sound of the flowing brook while staying immersed in the refreshing waters of the pool will undoubtedly calm the senses.

The Immensity of it All. Upon entering, the great volume invites one to look around, beyond through the glass, and gaze up at the ceiling as if it were the sky. Several rooms on the ground level and the mezzanine allow for many events at the same time.

One scenario includes having every debutante’s dream to be a princess on her special day. As her guests wait in eager anticipation at the 13-meter high Grand Ballroom, she makes her entrance from the mezzanine above and down the grand staircase where her prince awaits at the foot. The imposing chandelier dims and surrenders to the gentle flickers of candlelight. The gala begins to the accompaniment of the grand piano and a string quartet.

On cool evenings, soirees and other festivities are best celebrated at the Great Lawn, made more intimate under a blanket of stars. Function rooms at the mezzanine level or the covered lanai by the pool can hold smaller, more causal affairs.

But the most unique feature is the watchtower accessible from the mezzanine in which the landing is higher than the impressive hipped roof. Intrepid residents can climb its steps to reach the top and take time viewing the whole enclave.

Mini Castles Nearby. After a complete visit to the Châteaux clubhouse and its extensive grounds, there is no other place a resident would want to go to next than his own private castle -- his home. Whether he lives in the classic Chambord, the modern Fontainebleau, the contemporary Chantilly, the French Provincial Rambouillet, or the new additions Bordeau, Clermont, or Lafayette, one thing is for sure: he will certainly live like a king.

Beyond the Village Walls. As the stately Châteaux de Paris clubhouse becomes the shared home of its royal residents, so too is the world-class, 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club where every South Forbes resident is entitled to free membership at no activation cost.

In fact, with the South Forbes’ affiliation with the International Management Group (IMG) Sports Club, all members are extended privileged access and special discounts to over 42 other golf courses and sports clubs worldwide.

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.