Maison Louie
Maison Louie
A Classic Sensibility
Maison Louie is an extraordinary construction that all began with an enduring dream to relive the staircase of the white-columned house in the 1939 film, Gone With the Wind. Out of this centerpiece comes the fruition of a masterful work of architecture by the dreamer and designer after which the house is named. Every form and surface recalls a personal vision of Old World birthright, for which he turned towards neoclassicism, a style that upholds harmony, symmetry, and order. As far as ordering principles help shape one’s destiny, he tuned into a life long knowledge of ancient feng shui to compose all the elements together. Where most resign from manifesting cinematic fiction to reality—and more difficult still, from transforming one’s reality—the true power to do so is in the details. A classical sensibility, as hereto shown, is the key to reinvention. A rare classic, the residence rests in a verdant enclave surrounded by the city's medley of built modernity. Dignitaries need only spare minutes for their journey from office to oasis. Being in the country's most exclusive polo and golf clubs that are also located in the neighborhood, one feels miles away from the nearby and rapidly growing premier retail and commercial areas.
Foyer entrance Stepping onto the marbled floor of the foyer, pause to reflect on the ornate Roman motif carvings along the reverse of the door and walls. Wood-carved cornices and Corinthian columns beautifully frame the pair of doorways that lead to the main living. Reflected in the mirror, an 18-light Baccarat chandelier toasts to the occasion of your entrance.
The centerpiece The white-marbled cinematic staircase is redrawn with a scalloped base and lined with black Mongolian marble. Organically stylized iron balustrades dance towards the handcrafted bevelled glass panels inspired by Art Nouveau. Revealed before you on the west side of the residence, an unwavering commitment to individual craftsmanship.
Powder room A reward for the curious lies beneath the staircase. As in ancient Roman villas where underground rooms cool their patricians during hot summers, this powder room features hand-painted walls of luxuriant gardens and cultivated views.
Soft water flows from a decorative cistern and matching lavatory set from the Alouette collection of the Kohler Artist Editions portfolio.
CRYSTAL SKY Passing through the main living and arriving at the foot of the staircase, the eyes are drawn in ascension to a 64-light Baccarat crystal chandelier crowning the beholder. Measuring 2.0 meters high, 1.70 meters wide, and weighing 180 kilograms, the great tradition of glass is composed in rows of diamond bevel cut crystal and marked with the signature Baccarat red crystal.
Second Floor On the second floor, Doric order balusters were crafted to join the interior balcony. Each weighing a tonne, these symbols of elegant sturdiness are made of solid Chinese white jade and sculpted with an Italian technique using ultra-high water pressure.
Circling the interior balcony and over solid Narra hardwood floor are a kitchenette and three bedrooms where every surface was worked on by highly-skilled artisans. The master bedroom spans the whole length of the north side with a dedicated balcony overlooking the gardenscape behind.
intiMAte LuXury No less than crystal blue faucets from the Baccarat imperial collection, hand-painted sinks of imperial China design, and crystal blue surfaces of granite line the private fine side of life. Inside the master en suite, traverse from the walk-in closet to a hidden walk-in safe disguised behind a mirror.
ChArMS oF CiviLity Personal and formal introductions in the office are and always will be memorable. Directly opposite the grand staircase on the ground floor, guests wait here in anticipation, if not charmed by the mosaic floor and handcrafted panels. Little do they know, you keep more treasures in the library next door.
ForMAL dininG To the right of the staircase, a feast before a feast: the room is the spectacular result of concerted efforts among local artisans and of supervising patron. The intricate carvings of roman motifs, some incredibly worked on eighteen times over, is a delectable show of the pursuit of perfection in work and art.
Two 18-light Baccarat chandeliers and two 5-light Baccarat candelabras spotlight beautifully prepared cuisine.
Rustic kitchen Joining the dining room is a kitchen and breakfast area lined with Spanish tiles that evoke villa rustica, a sanctuary to refresh one’s appetite to the delights of coveted country life. Leisurely discuss matters of substance over plentiful wine as unhurried as a blossom takes to fruit.
Service kitchen For exhibiting culinary mastery, the kitchen which includes Sub-Zero and Thermador equipment levels with the industry in scale and in quality.
Illuminated bar On the ground floor, in an area below the master bedroom, a special bar made of yellow onyx spells elegance in midday and night. It is illuminated against a backdrop of Italian travertine wall organic to the touch. Simply pass through the space to rest in the patio or to play in the garden pavilions.
Garden views Mural windows allow a panorama of the garden from the office, bar area, formal dining, and breakfast area (this image, left to right). Also in view are two garden pavilions facing the patio, one a game room with a pool table and the other a gazebo with a full bathroom conveniently located adjacent to the swimming pool.
Mosaic blues On the east side of the main entrance, an arch leads the way to a mosaic swimming pool glistening with shades of turquoise and sapphire blues.
Rooftop views The rooftop overlooks the foreground of calm in the midst of high-rises and city bustle.
Maison Louie