Originating from the rural countryside outside of Paris, French Provincial architecture is a term used to describe stately, manor-like homes and sprawling estates built by French aristocrats during the 1600 and 1700s. With characteristics reminiscent of the stylings of Paris during the reign of King Louis XIV — ornate carvings, elaborate fixtures, steeply pitched roofs — these homes, and their furnishings, intend to bring about a toned-down, more rustic version of what filled the halls of the Palace of Versailles.
Since its original surge in popularity during the 1920s as well as a second revival that brought the style back to light during the building boom of the ‘60s, French Provincial architecture has stood the test of time and continues to influence architecture in the U.S. today.
Though Atlanta has become a melting pot of various architectural styles and home designs over the past century, few homes in the area embodies French Provincial architecture quite like “Maison des Bois” — a decadent French country chateau nestled on 5 acres of gated property in Buckhead. Masterfully redesigned by Yon Pak & Dan Carithers using antique materials imported from Europe, this 7-bedroom, 7-bathroom estate originally built in 1979 exudes elegance at every turn. From its stone façade and steeply pitched, slated tile roof to its limestone terrace and cobblestone pathways, the influence of French architecture shines through in every feature.
Offering a mix of living spaces and areas for entertaining, “Maison des Bois’” gives an entirely new meaning to grandeur. The meticulously maintained landscaping welcomes you in through the custom-designed wrought-iron finishings of the front door into the grand 2-story foyer with stairs leading both upstairs and to the lower terrace level. Almost every room in the house incorporates imported materials from Europe, including rough-hewn oak wood beams, reclaimed hardwood floors, and antique limestone mantles on some of the home’s 7 fireplaces.
The chef’s kitchen features an oversized island, whitewashed ceilings, butler’s pantry, and keeping room, along with upgraded appliances and furnishings. Beyond the interior, the backyard’s formal flat lawn leads to a recently added light-filled summer house with a limestone terrace and heated saltwater pool.
Located at the end of a winding driveway and hidden from street view among the trees and azaleas, this rare gem in the heart of Buckhead home is truly fit for royalty.
Listed by Carl & Page Henry with Harry Norman, REALTORS®, this home is located at 2485 West Wesley Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.
