Chateau de Courances

One Enchanted Evening

Courances is the home of Marquis and Marquise de Ganey. The 16th century home has been occupied by the family since the 1870's. Now a favorite place for black tie events as well as being the primary home for the De Ganey's.

In addition to hosting some of France's royalty, there is an annual black tie event attended by members, two nights before the Bel Marie Antoinette, guests of the American friends of Versailles are welcomed to the event. Not only a beautiful structure, the Chateau is a host to native as well as heirloom gardens full of flora & fauna. There are a few renditions here of French chateau's I think it is the charm that draws me to this personal style. The rambling of a home added to by years of growth. A covering of green ivy which softens the aged stone walls & brings a softness to the stoic facade.

There is even a lovely back garden here, enchanting and rambling. A lush growth of roses as well as native plantings. A color combination when up lighted at night is a rambling of evenings from the past  and present. I have two weaknesses; green lush uncomplicated gardens as well as thoughtfully planned and executed grounds. One is as interesting to me as the other is, however it must be the creative and the well organized sides of my brain that can see the beauty in both genres of garden design.

Candlelight is another favorite aspect of fine dining either outside or inside it is spellbinding. I love the trellis like centerpieces here, holding dimly lit votives. The dramatic effect is also felt in the overhead lighting of the red lanterns. The setting of the rough beam and stone interior is just enough hard design to compliment the ivory linens and lush floral arrangements scattered below the lighting. I think candle light is not used enough in daily life, a few votives makes an ordinary gathering more special & inviting.

Upon entering you will find fine French antiques mixed with hand painted furnishings. The refined with the unexpected adds to the overall experience of the Chateau. A water buffalo is paired with antique lamps converted from fine porceline, stenciled upholstery adds a hand made simplicity paired against gilt framed paintings, highly carved paneled rooms with tasseled curtain panels.

In the billiard room a very contemporary painting of the brothers of the family oversee the plays from the table. Set into a glossy paneled room with a burst of brightly colored images from the De Ganey's family. The contrast to the traditional elements of the room adds such an interesting feel and brings a fresh vivid life to what could be very dark and more gentlemanly of a room. I like the contrast, a mural painter myself this feels like a breath of fresh air to me. What a bold color choice and the style is a risk that feels like it paid off.

Head upstairs and there is no doubt that this is a place where a long standing family has been in residence. The winding staircase leads up to a landing, a feeling of cozyness is achieved  even in such an expansive home. A deep window seat is home to blue and white pottery, I like the layering of the stair runner, and the tapestry over top of the wallpaper. The use of the tapestry is seen throughout the rooms bringing a regal feel with a ancestry to the home.

Definately filled with decorative touches, the faux marble frames around the antique tapestries add a regal feel to this room. I do love the humor of the pooch pillows tossed on the gilded settee. The chairs are also covered with a woven, worn tapestry that complements the collected feel of the room. You can have a collection of color when used in fifferent places in a room. This muted version still seems cozy and inviting to me.

A gathering of guests in the adjoining room where a drink can be acquired from the back bar. A marbled wall divided with beams houses a cat and water buffalo trophy. A silvered antique round mirror is placed in the middle of an antique stone fire place surround. I like the contrast od light and dark in the walls, the trophies and the checker board flooring. What a place to gather and discuss the remains of the day.

I think that I could live in this room alone. The tusks resting on the iron bracket above the firplace bring iron from the lantern into the room. The fireplace has a carved relief of a skull in the mid section of the mantle. I love the figural sides which open up to a large bricked fire pit. Handpainted screens, blue and white garden jars flow with a zebra hide rug ( a personal fav ) a top a patterned rug. Brass candle sticks and horn trophies complete the look. I love this room, anyone for cocoa in front of a roaring fire?

Beautiful muted patterned fabric is nestled into a cranberry colored room. Layers of patterned rugs, brocade persimmon colored pillows and fine antiques complete the collected feel of this room. Partygoers have a stylish and restful place to sit and share.

Don't forget to write a thank you note to your gracious hosts for a divine evening. Leave it on the deak as you grab your wrap and leave this enchanted home. With so much inspiration just looking back at you, it should not be too hard to come up with a few reasons for such a lovely gathering spot.
The combination of countryside living, some of my favorite elements are blended nicely into this Chateau.

A layered look is not for everyone, but there is something said for designing as you like it, taking the bull by the horns ( no pun intended) and mixing old with new elements. A well lived in home feels so inviting when  collected furnishings are blended into a space. This Chateau is a lovely example of blending old & new to create a fun & inviting retreat.


By the way; Happy 300th Post!


Chateau de Courances & NY Social diary pics