Private Houses of France: Living with History

(Hardback)

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Description

A dozen aristocratic French families invite readers to experience their elegant lifestyle, from the royal stag hunting tradition of Louis XI and Louis XIII at the Chteau de Champchevrier to Hubert de Givenchy's elegant Parisian townhouse imbued with grandeur and comfort in the style of Napolean III. The featured houses, illustrated with specially commissioned photography, represent key periods of French decoration. The exquisite Renaissance architecture of Chteau d'Anet and its sumptuous interiors with great fireplaces, silk upholstered sofas, and soft lighting exude the notorious ardor between Henri II and Diane de Poitiers. The hidden sanctuary of a Parisian manor reveals a dignified library and a harmonious blend of antique and contemporary fabrics and sculptures. A grand salon with Versailles parquet is illuminated by a Louis XVI crystal and amethyst chandelier. Meticulously planned gardens beckon contemplation and dining tables replete with crystal and silver are a visual feast. From the architecture, garden designs, furniture, textiles, and art collections, these exclusive private homes are a rich source of interior design inspiration.

Reviews

There are autumnal hunts in ancient French forests, and detail shots of tables set for celebratory dinners and intime lunches. The book's photographs even seem to capture the weather and seasons in France--shooting on foggy mornings as well as bright summer afternoons. Its a rich feast, delicious, and all captured in lavish, poetic photography. Beauty can be fleetingbut it lasts forever on the pages of this book. Its all very personal and filled with fresh flowers, books, a sense of lives well lived. Its also uplifting and full of discoveries. Highly recommended. The Style Saloniste

A historical, cultural and architectural journey through a dozen exquisite and refined French chteaux and residences, Private Houses of France features a dozen aristocratic French families who invite readers to experience their elegant lifestyle, from the royal stag hunting tradition of Louis XI and Louis XIII at the Chteau de Champchevrier to Hubert de Givenchy's elegant Parisian townhouse imbued with grandeur and comfort in the style of Napoleon III. The featured houses, illustrated with specially commissioned photography, represent key periods of French decoration. Editor at Large

author Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery's books give readers an insider's view of life in aristocratic French residences...the text in this book deals mostly with the history of each residence, although the author does delve into how the various aristocratic homeowners live in their luxurious abodes. But it's the book's photos that might well send the reader into a reverie. In addition to large, overall room shots, there are plenty of detail photos as well, which capture the personal details that say so much about a home. Peak of Chic

Author Bio

Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery spent twenty-five years at the leading Parisian auction house, Htel Drouot, before joining Christies France, where she is a board member. She has published many books, including Private Houses of Paris and French Interiors: The Art of Elegance. Francis Hammond is a renowned lifestyle photographer. His work has appeared in many international magazines, including Elle and Martha Stewart Living, and in books such as Historic Houses of Paris: Residences of the Ambassadors and Versailles: A Private Invitation.