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Alexander Island, Lake Norman 154 Whitby Lane, Mooresville, NC 28117 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 unequaled in our 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.
“Built of wonder, grounded in history, and abounding in luxury, Chateau Lyon captures the imagination of all who enter its storied halls.”
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Chateau Lyon was inspired by the French limestone, soaring ceilings, and antique ceramic roof tiles that 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. Chateau Lyon is 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, NC. 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.
From its vantage point on Lake Norman’s Alexander Island, the estate offers lake views from every window.
Chateau Lyon measures over 8700 square feet with five bedrooms, six full baths, and three half baths.
The Stonework Approaching Chateau Lyon, one is immediately impressed with the stone exterior. There are three main varieties of stone used in the construction of the 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 faced 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 Chateau Lyon 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.
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The third kind of natural stone used in the construction of Chateau Lyon is Mexican Piñon 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 the windows and doors of Chateau Lyon.
Hand-carved in the fields of Mexico by the finest artisans, the rough cut Piñon stone on the left evolved to the completed balusters on the right.
The Pecky Cypress Pecky cypress is used extensively in both the exterior and interior of the home. This prized grade of cypress is characterized by pockets formed 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 renowned for its rot resistance, low shrinkage, and stability. Even unpainted, it will last for centuries with minimal checking and warping.
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The Roof Topping Chateau Lyon are antique French roof tiles estimated to be over 250 years old. Discovered in baskets in a market outside Paris, their authentic beauty adds to the richness of the estate. Each tile was formed in the old-world tradition by craftsmen using their upper leg to shape the tile. 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, they 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 does not bleed copper residue, and will not stain the stones below over time.
Front Facade Details 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 the 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 door are Italian antiques and measure over 6 feet tall. Flanking the entranceway are two Louie 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.
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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 Landscape The generous 1.63 acre grounds afford many breathtaking views from strategic vantage points throughout the estate. The loggia terrace, pergola, side courtyard, and gazebo are just some of the key outdoor living areas. And with 500 feet of private shoreline and a pier with floating dock, even lake living is more luxurious at Chateau Lyon. The side courtyard off the master bathroom was patterned after one admired at Hotel Le Meurice. The paths of the home’s well-designed landscape are a pleasure to explore. Pea gravel was used throughout the landscape, including the auto court and pathways, as this was traditionally the material of choice for European estates.
The spacious lakeside gazebo boasts a full kitchen featuring a Wolf grill and Sub-Zero refrigerette.
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Exterior Highlights Loggia and Terrace The spacious loggia on the waterfront side of Chateau Lyon features beautiful pecky cypress woodwork. The ceiling fans are solid iron with mahogany blades. For unobstructed waterfront views from inside the home, the terrace drops to a lower level as it extends beyond the loggia. To further reveal the beautiful views beyond, sections of wrought-iron railing were placed within the stone balustrade. Cabana Bathroom A cabana bathroom is conveniently located off the back terrace addressing the lake and gazebo. The exterior entrance was designed around a highly prized antique iron door purchased in France. The spectacular stained glass window by Genesis Art Glass was custom-made for the home and based on a French original. Views of the stained glass can also be enjoyed from the side courtyard. Other outstanding interior features include the barreled tile ceiling and the reproduction Byzantine tripod sink.
Garage Unique garage doors open like historic carriage doors. The spacious three-car garage interior is heated and cooled for year-round comfort. Wooden planks are simulated in the floor of the garage through stained and pressed concrete. The side entrance to the garage features a wrought-iron door acquired at a Paris flea market.
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Mar-a-lago Balcony A special exterior detail of Chateau Lyon is the Mar-a-lago balcony, pictured above. Modeled after the balcony adorning Mar-a-lago, an historic home in Palm Beach now owned by Donald Trump, this balcony railing was hand-forged for Chateau Lyon. The above right photo shows the beautiful view of Lake Norman from the Mar-a-lago balcony.
Interior Features Foyer The soothing sound of water greeting visitors as they enter Chateau Lyon’s grand foyer emanates from a limestone fountain hand-carved in France. The stone flooring in the foyer was reclaimed from centuries-old farmhouses bordering the Mediterranean Sea. All of the stone floors downstairs are heated and controlled through Chateau Lyon’s “smart home” technology.
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The grand staircase, which appears to defy gravity, is supported from within by a solid steel framework. The exquisite French limestone stair treads were computer-engineered to eliminate seams. Even the rise of the treads was thoughtfully researched for the highest comfort in use. Subtle and sophisticated faux painting techniques are employed to great effect throughout Chateau Lyon. The faux finish in the foyer and Grand Salon is reminiscent of the aged walls of a French chateau. Overhead in the foyer is authentic plasterwork, which is also featured in the dining room ceiling. All of the antique lighting fixtures in the home have been rewired to code and integrated into the “smart home” network. The bronze Italian foyer chandelier is from 1830 and features green, aqua, and clear crystals. In addition, this chandelier and the Grand Salon chandelier offer automatic hoist mechanisms for ease of maintenance. Four antique French bronze (c. 1850) floral repoussé sconces light the grand stairway.
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Dining Room Chateau Lyon derives her name from the exquisite 13.5-foot antique paneling, or boiserie, adorning the dining room, rear hallway, and powder room. The dining room was designed around these historic panels, which were sourced from an early 1900’s home in Lyon France replicating Marie Antoinette’s summer home, the Petit Trianon of the Palace of Versailles. The boiserie features intricate detail, gold leafing, and original paintings depicting scenes of the Petit Trianon by Jeanne Ferez (1879-1972), a noted painter from Lyon. To complete the room, three extra panels were molded from the originals. The antique French dining room chandelier is wrought iron and features thirty lights and colorful painted wooden tassels with gold patina. Gorgeous antique wall sconces in the form of crystal birds adorn both sides of the china cupboard in the dining room. For gracious entertaining or just to enjoy the evening air, the beautiful bronze doors open onto Chateau Lyon’s front terrace.
Antique door hardware is used throughout Chateau Lyon. The door knobs for the home originated in France, and were acquired from the old Chicago Hilton Hotel during renovations. The door levers are French antique reproductions.
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Grand Salon The majestic living space of the Grand Salon soars past the intricate second-floor iron balconies. The ombred walls are darker and more distressed at the bottom, emulating the aged patina typical of historic estates. For a truly Mediterranean experience, the room can be expanded by opening the French doors onto the loggia and terrace. Of the three sets of French doors, one is antique and two were reproduced to match. The white oak flooring in the Grand Salon is 7.5 inches wide and laid in a unique herringbone pattern designed specifically for the room. Overhead is a coffered and faux-painted pecky cypress ceiling. The focal point of the room is the monumental antique French limestone fireplace and mantel. Like all the home’s fireplaces, it is for use with either wood or gas. Adjoining the Grand Salon is a powder room featuring Jeanne Ferez painted paneling and an antique black marble fountain found in Paris and converted for use as a sink. Also adjoining the Grand Salon, the Wine Cellar features an antique clock door (c. 1900) with panels removed for wine storage. A circular stone detail in the floor marks the location for a bistro table for wine tastings.
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Master Bedroom A striking hand-painted grisaille landscape mural adorns the walls of this beautiful and spacious chamber. The master bedroom fireplace is a mid-19th century French antique in the Regence style, made of striated green and white marble. The four doors found in the master suite are antiques purchased in France. The master bedroom lighting fixtures are all very special. Above the mantel are 1920’s painted iron and crystal wall sconces from France. The sconces in the master bedroom window nook are finished in 22K gold. The Venetian silver-leaf chandeliers in the master bedroom, with matching chandeliers and sconces in master bathroom, are by designer Joe Niermann, of Niermann Weeks. Master Bathroom The walls of the master bathroom feature a complex faux technique in which multi-layered, polished Venetian plaster is sealed and finished with natural waxes. The master bathroom offers extensive luxuries including a sauna, Waterworks bathtub and fixtures, and gas-filled shower glass which becomes opaque for privacy. The tile floors are heated for cool-weather comfort. Adjoining the bathroom are dressing rooms and extensive closets.
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Kitchen The centerpiece of Chateau Lyon’s magnificent kitchen is the brass and copper Chateau range with gas and electric ovens and integrated cabinetry by La Cornue, France. The stunning, custom-designed range hood is crafted of hammered steel and copper, and surrounds a custom tile backsplash with pot-filler. Other appliances include a La Cornue rotisserie, double Viking wall ovens, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, Mielle Avanti Series dishwasher, and two Wolf warming drawers. The monumental kitchen islands, one topped with teak, the other with limestone, incorporate a double-basin sink, two Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers, four Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers, and a Kitchen Aid trash compactor.
The exquisite chandelier, created from an antique French pot rack, hangs above thick limestone countertops. A unique pizza oven, which doubles as a kitchen warming fireplace, is an added luxury. A large farmhouse sink situated for a stunning lake view completes the perfect kitchen experience.
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Adjoining the kitchen is a full back pantry with sink, two Fisher and Paykel dishwasher drawers, and two Sub-Zero freezer drawers. An additional butler’s pantry featuring cabinets constructed from two antique doors also includes a U-Line Echelon icemaker, Miele Advanta Series dishwasher, and U-Line refrigerette. Also off the back hallway is a spacious mud room with a full laundry area and half bath. An additional laundry room is located on the second floor. The Morning Room Off the kitchen, the Morning Room (pictured right) is the perfect refuge for breakfasts and casual meals while enjoying the splendid views of Lake Norman.
Conservatory Designed by the English company Amdega, the oldest and pre-eminent designer and manufacturer of conservatories in the world, Chateau Lyon’s conservatory is a spacious greenhouse room that “brings the outside in.” Special HVAC is designed to meet the challenges resulting from the high amount of sunlight entering the room. Custom overhead blinds can be deployed when shade is desired. The back terrace off the conservatory was structurally reinforced to accommodate future plans for a showcase water feature including a 10-foot waterfall and multiple pools.
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Library The library’s domed ceiling of whitewashed pecky cypress is awe-inspiring in its detail and craftsmanship. A Louis XIV chandelier hangs in its center. Another highlight of the room is the fireplace. Hand-carved in Italy, it is a provincial Louis XV-style reproduction made of Bianco Avorio limestone. In addition, a hidden door in the bookcase conceals a half bathroom. Media/Playroom Featuring a home theater, wet bar with Sub-zero refrigerette and ice-maker, and ample room for play, this multi-purpose room also offers additional sleeping quarters for four. Two single beds each feature a trundle below. Additional storage is located behind the walls through hidden doors.
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Upstairs Bedroom Suites Upstairs at Chateau Lyon are four additional bedrooms, each equipped with a luxurious bath and balcony. And while all four share stunning panoramic lake views, an array of unique features and amenities lends each suite its own personality and ambiance. For instance, the guest room on the North side of the home features mirrored doors created from an antique French cabinet. Opening on one side to closets, the other side serves as a discreet entrance to a beautiful full bath with a unique antique vanity of amber and red marble converted for a sink. All plumbing fixtures in t he hom e ar e of unsurpassed beauty and functionality from the finest manufacturers including Waterworks, Franke, Herbeau, and others. The bathroom mirrors, with the exception of the master bathroom, are all handcrafted by Eastern European artisans.
The upstairs hallway features a line of bronze pumpkin lanterns that cast a lovely display of light and shadows on the ceiling. The richly aged upstairs floors are twelveinch planks of approximately 250-year-old heart pine.
This guest bath features a Kallista solid copper tub, only twelve of which are created annually, and twin pedestal sinks of intricately carved stone.
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Technical Amenities No detail was overlooked in the creation of this remarkable home. Chateau Lyon’s smart home network is by Crestron, a global leader in advanced home automation systems. Convenient controls are programmed for lighting, televisions, climate control, music, security, intercom, media room, garage, heated floors, and more. Two natural gas generators can power the entire home during a power outage. A luxurious elevator serves the garage and the three floors of the home. An unfinished third floor houses technical equipment and may be used for additional storage, an exercise room, or finished as additional living space. Even the crawl space is superior with three feet of clearance, special lighting, and a poured concrete floor for comfortable access.
Beyond Luxury Chateau Lyon offers a unique and historic opportunity. Combining the warmth of history with modern luxury and technology, and offering the finest in lake living and urban accessibility, this one -of-a-kind estate truly represents the best of all worlds. A place where provenance is prized and taste reigns supreme, Chateau Lyon’s authenticity and richness of character bring another dimension to the concept of luxury. Come home to a place where every day is an old-world resort vacation. Come home to a castle. Come home to Chateau Lyon.
“Chateau Lyon, the best of all worlds.”
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www.LNRLuxury.com 800.315.3655 Luxury@LakeNormanRealty.com Debbie Monroe and Amber Garchar 704.533.0444 or 704.562.4731 DebbieM@LakeNormanRealty.com AmberG@LakeNormanRealty.com
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For the loan of the beautiful nationally acclaimed artists’ work displayed throughout the home. Details on the artists and pricing information is available at Chateau Lyon. For more information please visit: www.Christafautgallery.com
For interior design expertise and assistance furnishing Chateau Lyon, and for event catering services. For more information please call: 704.880.6651
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