Extreme French in South Forbes

MANILA, Philippines - Whenever we switch on to the Lifestyle Network, one cannot help but get inspired by the programs that run 24-7, be it about crafts, cuisine, design, or lifestyle in general. It is every homemaker’s DIY resource.

Well, we’ve got our own tangible architecture and interior design resource over at 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.

Name it. South Forbes has both East and West. One of which is Châteaux de Paris which emulates the exquisite splendor of the French capital and arousing passion in the hearts and minds of its residents.

Refining the Old. Some people hold on to things that give them a sense of comfort -- a once-white blanket that turned grey, a threadbare teddy bear, or even a loose-page storybook. Behold the price of a child’s love.

Châteaux de Paris unveils the Chambord model chateau which, in itself, is like a house out of a fairytale book. It holds on to enough tradition for that old world charm yet modernized a bit to address the call of a new age.

The distinguished 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, hinting of romance and aristocracy.

The interiors are classic French. 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. The dining room uses modern Louis XV furniture that is juxtaposed against a rather ornate chandelier.

The master suite, which occupies the whole left side of the house, is done in warm tones. Ceilings include Moroccan inspired chandeliers and light fixtures adding a layer of complexity to the room. 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.

Welcoming the New. On the other end of the spectrum lies the Fontainebleau model chateau. Both exterior and interior are reflective of a more sophisticated and urbane lifestyle. Clean lines, chrome and glass, textured fabrics create an interesting interplay of surfaces that makes the unit cozy yet refined, pleasant with an underlying sense of formality that is understood by the discerning few.

The living room is a magnificent double-storey volume that allows natural light into the space, filtered through mechanized sunshades which keep the area soft. The softness is tempered with the shiny surfaces of the furniture and the sleekness of the objets d’art that adorn this wonderful space.

The dining room was inspired by the green houses present in most French Country villas with doors that open to the garden allow the landscape to be part of the dining experience. The ceiling rendered in chrome and glass is reminiscent of the metal works that the 18^th century greenhouses are known for. The chandeliers were specifically selected to cascade to the center of the space with tiny crystals that mimic raindrops.

Inspired by the small French hotels, the master’s bedroom is quaint with subtle touches of a vibrant red to adding interest and spice to the room. After all, spice in the bedroom should always be a welcome thing.

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, including how you can get free membership to the world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club at no activation cost.