South Forbes is haute

MANILA, Philippines - The world’s most expensive wines are those that are produced and bottled in wine estates of the Bordeaux region in France whose names are preceded by the word château – Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Lafite Rothschild are those which top the list. The term “chateau” is a mark of excellence.

And 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, has become the choiced place of residence by the discerning few, especially in its new French quarter, Châteaux de Paris.

Haut Monde. Châteaux de Paris is fit for royalty. From the entrance avenue alone, one can already capture the elegance of the enclave. The tree-lined and lighted main avenue is reminiscent of the Champs Elysée which guides riders and pedestrians alike to the first visible feature, The Clock Tower, the centerpiece of The Central Rotunda from which Châteaux de Paris residents can watch over their dominion.

Continuing further, one will reach the Grand Clubhouse. An intricate French garden is laid out like a red carpet in front. Along with the colorful field of flowers, hedges, and topiary, a series of reflecting pools surround the clubhouse entirely like a castle moat. Entering into the voluminous main lobby is a breathtaking experience where a grand piano that lies beneath an elegant grand staircase plays sweet melodies as residents and guests make their way through the gala. This is the perfect venue for a young lady’s début or a village soirée. On normal days, families can frequent the swimming pool or taste the café’s hors d’oeuvre selection at the al fresco lanai.

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 – not for the acrophobic.

Haute Couture. Walking along the streets of Châteaux de Paris is like passing through a shopping district where boutique windows feature the latest in fashion. But here, however, elegant chateaus rule.

Châteaux de Paris presents a taste of four French design styles in four different homes: the classical Chambord with its princess-ly turret, the contemporary Chantilly for big families, the moderne Fontainebleau which suits the erudite, and the provincial Rambouillet bungalow ideal for retirees – each with its unique layout to match the varying preferences of different homeowners.

Now adorning Châteaux de Paris’ cobblestoned streets are its latest additions to the royal family: the elegant Louvre, the charming Clermont, and the lovely Lafayette. With the concept of the enclave revolving around the splendor of French gardens like that of the French capital, there will be more garden space in each of these new homes.

Un, Deux, Trois, Quatre. The whole Châteaux de Paris enclave is divided into four quadrants, each featuring a uniquely themed garden yet similar in exuding the Parisian environment.

To the north is the French Pavilion where a circular dome offers ample seats and benches for residents to while away the time. To the south is set the Theatre, inspired by French outdoor theaters common during the 18th century. Creative performances can be staged by families at its elevated platform to the delight of their neighbors.

The Green Hall lies to the east where a tree-lined hallway leads towards a central water fountain and a feature wall. Its open lawns are multi-purpose spaces for recreation and play. An interesting landmark to the west is l’Orangerie, inspired by the orangeries that cultivated the then exotic orange fruit from East Asia in the 18th century. The Orangery will likely feature the local citrus dayap.

Voila! All South Forbes residents are entitled to free membership to the world-class 18-hole Golf and Leisure Club at no activation cost, as well as privileged access and special discounts to over 42 other golf and sports clubs worldwide through the affiliation shared with the IMG Sports Club.

With all these, it is no surprise why South Forbes is the 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.

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.