"Jean LeBreton, Controller General for War under Francois I constructed the chateau around an original 14th century keep where King Phillip II of France once met Richard I of England to discuss peace. The chateau remained in the LeBreton family for more than two centuries until it was acquired by the Marquis de Castellane. During the French Revolution the property was confiscated and in the early 19th century, Emperor Napoleon acquired it for his brother Jerome Bonaparte.
In 1906, Joachim Carvallo [Spanish Physician] purchased the property and poured an enormous amount of time, money [his wife was the American heiress Ann Coleman - steel!)] and devotion into repairing it and creating extremely beautiful gardens. In 1934, Chateau Villandry was designated an Historic Monument. Like all the other chateaux of the Loire Valley, it is a World Heritage Site.
Still owned by the Carvallo family, the Chateau Villandry is open to the public and is one of the most visited chateaux in France with an average 330,000 visitors a year."
And voila! Here it is:
The drawing Room:
Carvalho Family Photos:
The current owner - Henri Carvallo:
Card Table in Game Room:
Beautiful Inlaid Chess Set - all those tiny pieces!
John..."Wonder where they get all the fresh flowers?"
He's such a kidder!
Detail of ceiling:
Saint Michael:
Saint Francis:
Amusing story:
Not so amusing painting:
Really creepy!
"Now where's the staircase?"
"Oh, there it is!"
Blue Velvet Bedroom:
Green Velvet Bedroom:
Guest Room:
The Nursery (very beautiful and peaceful feeling room):
Child's Room Toys:
Note: Bunny on child's tea set shooting bird! Mmmmmmmm!
Puppet Theater:
Prince Jerome Bonaparte's Bedroom:
Wooden Model of House:
To the tippy top!
Color-coordinated couple!
It was a great way to spend the day, and we really chose well for our chateau visit. Nothing could compare to this!
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