Chateau Lyon-Luxury on Lake Norman

Topping Chateau Lyon are antique French roof tiles estimated to be over 250 years old. Discovered in baskets in a market outside of Paris, their authentic beauty adds to the richness of this estate. Each tile was formed in the old-world tradition by craftsmen using their bent knees to shape the tiles.
The original dormers purchased in France for the home were too big, so new ones were designed based on the originals. Clad in zinc-coated copper, the feature a special "fish scale" design to accent the roof tiles. In addition, zinc-coated copper gutters are recessed in the roof, routing water discreetly away from the house. Zinc-coated copper is used extensively in the roofing trim of the home. Unlike copper, it dos not bleed copper residue, and will not stain the limestone or pinion stone below.
The french iron balcony over the front door establishes a theme that is repeated throughout Chateau Lyon. This special balcony dates to the 1880's and inspired the design for many of the other balconies in the home.
The front doors date to 1818 and are in the Renaissance style from the French city of Senlis. These, and many other antique doors in the home, took a year to restore and were stripped down to the original wood, removing all lead paint. The majestic sconces on either side of the front doors are Italian antiques measuring over six feet tall.
Flanking the entry are two Louie the 14th-style oval windows with wrought iron mullions. They date to 1820 and originally graced an old church in Paris. Two more of these antique windows were used in an upstairs bedroom on each side of the Grand Salon balcony.
The massive bronze bowed doors, glazed with antique German glass, were crafted in Paris and modeled after the ones found at Hotel Le Meurice in Paris. Prior to installation, special foundations were built to support the immense weight of the bronze. A smaller, coordinating bronze window can be found between the master bathroom and side courtyard.

The Grand estate is receiving lots of attention-we were on the local news last week and we have had some local and international buyer interest. Join me next time for more details!
Can't wait? Visit www.ChateauLyon.isnow4sale.com

Chateau Lyon-attention to the details

What went into this castle on Lake Norman?  Pecky cypress is used extensively in both the exterior and interior of the home. This prized grade of cypress is characterized by pockets formd in the wood by fungal activity while the tree was alive, giving the milled lumber its distinctive and striking appearance. As durable as it is beautiful, pecky cypress is renowened for its rot resistance, low shrinkage, and stability. Even unpainted it will last for centuries with minimal checking and warping.

No stone left unturned....

From its vantage point on Lake Norman's Alexander Island, Chateau Lyon offers lake views from every window. Situated on a generous 1.63 acres with over 500 feet of Lake Norman shoreline in the private and gated Alexander Island neighborhood of Mooresville, N.C. Only 30 minutes from downtown Charlotte and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Mooresville has been named one of Money Magazine's Top 100 "Best Places to Live," and often enjoys the national spotlight for its exceptional quality of life.

Approaching Chateau Lyon, one is immediately impressed with the stone exterior. There are three main varieties of stone used in the construction of this home. The foundation is Texas limestone, hand cut for the home, with each piece weighing approximately 250 pounds.

Above the foundation, the 20-inch-thick exterior walls are faces with French limestone, which is used extensively throughout the home. This stone was handpicked from a small rock quarry one and a half hours by train from Paris. Cutting the stone for the home proved so demanding on the small quarry town's electrical infrastructure that the work had to be done at night while the town slept. Due to the immense weight of the limestone, special engineering was provided beneath the foundation.

The third kind of natural stone used is Mexican Pinon stone. Also called Cantera stone, this rock was formed millions of years ago by volcanic heat and pressure, giving it the porous appearance characteristic of lava rock. The finest Mexican carvers hand chiseled the exquisite balusters, handrails, cartouches, and trim around all of the windows and doors.

Chateau Lyon-best bargain on Lake Norman!

A masterpiece of modern luxury and centuries-old architectural details stands on the shores of Lake Norman, enchanting all who step inside. At Chateau Lyon, you will walk on stone flooring reclaimed from 600-year-old farmhouses bordering the Mediterranean Sea, gaze through bronze bay windows replicating those adorning the famous Hotel Le Meurice in Paris, and dine surrounded by original paintings, gold-leaf paneling, and antique fixtures taken directly from an early 1900's reproduction of Marie Antoinette's summer home. Chateau Lyon offers not only the grandeur of scale and proportion, but also lavish attention to detail uneaqualed in the Charlotte region. This stunning gem of residential architecture truly embodies the spirit of the grand estate, bringing a sense of exotic wonder to its waterfront setting on the tip of picturesque and exclusive Alexander Island.
Chateau Lyon was inspired by the French limestone, soaring ceilings, and antique ceramic roof tiles that the furniture entrepreneurs Larry and Jane Hendricks admired on their extensive European travels. Costing well over $20 million to build, Chateau Lyon was completed in 2009, artfully integrating a brilliant collection of French and Italian historic artifacts and masterpiece artisan reproductions alongside technological luxuries discreetly incorporated throughout the estate. The home is now offered at $8 million.
"Built of wonder, grounded in history, and abounding in luxury, Chateau Lyon captures the imagination of all who enter its storied halls."
Be sure to join me each Sunday as I share more details about this enchanting waterfront estate.

No such thing as a missed turn!

I still remember clearly the first day I stumbled upon Alexander Island in Mooresville, NC. I missed a turn trying to find a new friend's house and arrived at the Iron gates announcing Alexander Island. Long story short, I made my way to my friend's home and didn't think about the mysterious gated community I had never heard of before again, well not until just a few years later when helping a client and good friend of mine find a home to buy in Mooresville. They too had never heard of Alexander Island and wondered if I had-I told them of my getting lost adventure and we viewed a lovely home in the neighborhood that was for sale at the time. Before leaving we drove through the rest of the subdivision and as we drove to the point of Whitby lane, I remember seeing Chateau Lyon for the very first time, like no other home I have ever seen in the Lake Norman area! I remember remarking that it looks like Gianni Versace would live there! Well, less than one year later I am now proudly representing the seller of that home and no, it is not a Versace! It's funny how life presents things to you. Follow me every Sunday as I tell you the story of Chateau Lyon. I will walk you step by step through the doors of a castle into another world...

Moving is not just a new house

When you are moving there are so many things to consider above and beyond a new house, condo, town home, or apartment. Where will you shop for groceries or take your dry cleaning? What about the best spot for lunch or dinner in your new location? Best pizza that delivers? Whether you are moving to a new neighborhood across town or to a new town all together-it is way more than just a new home-it's your new life style. What about a gym, hair stylist, post office, bank, wine bar, DMV, pet groomer, pet sitter, child care, auto spa, spa for you-the list is endless! Will you be ready? Remember that your real estate professional can help you find more than your new house, they can help you find your new life style! Don't be afraid to ask them all of the questions that will make your settling in easier. They will be excited to share all of their favorite spots with you- and trust me the pizza delivery thing really helps on moving day, it saves lots of frustration and time to already have that number handy when the bellies start growling and the pots and pans are still in boxes somewhere.