Space – it’s not just the final frontier, it’s a much coveted commodity in a world guided by a pandemic that has us staying home and social distancing from friends and family. So imagine this game-changer – a home on the Calgary real estate scene that is spectacularly spacious. It can accommodate multiple family members at a level of luxury so complete that everyone will be happy to cocoon at home.
Property profile: Executive living at St. Regis Residences in the heart of Toronto
Welcome to Terre Blanche, a 10-bedroom, 14-bath French-inspired chateau sitting on 2.62 acres at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Alberta. Now for sale by auction, it’s listed at $9.83 million, with bidding starting Nov. 25.
The setting
Nestled in rugged peaks just west of Calgary, this breathtaking estate rises high above the landscape. It offers up an exquisite front-seat view of the expansive Alberta countryside and the Canadian Rockies.
Surrounded by aspen, spruce, and maple trees, the outdoor wonderland hints at all that is close by. There is the mountainous terrain of Banff National Park, and the Badlands of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Stunning Lake Louise and 14 world-class ski resorts are close by. And for golf aficionados – six private golf courses that are between five and 60 minutes from the front door of the chateau.
And for the hustle and bustle of the city, Calgary is only 10 minutes away. The city offers up foodie delights, entertainment and nightlife, bountiful hiking trails, the Bow and Elbow rivers, incredible off leash dog parks. Then there is that striking skyline.
A paragon of refined luxury
The interior of this French country manor is comprised of 17,000 square feet on four levels of opulent European luxury and imported antiques from around the world.
The property is the inspiration of famous New York-born designer Arthur Fishman. “This estate is very unique, a one of a kind property in Western Canada – the landscaping is magnificent!,” he said.
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Blending the finest European craftsmanship with the pinnacle of custom amenities, the foyer of this breathtaking chateau sets the tone with its grandeur. Featured are well-placed antiques and spectacular staircase highlighting an intricate iron railing.
European craftmanship
An enormous great room is ideal for hosting intimate gatherings. Or you can just lounge and enjoy a relaxing coffee. The space offers up an ornate fireplace and wall hangings amplified by soaring, and cathedral ceilings. There’s a wall of windows overlooking a panorama of mountains.
A spectacular kitchen has a limestone fireplace with a sitting area that can accommodate several chefs at once. This epicurean paradise also has a large island with bar seating, wood ceiling beams, custom cabinetry and backsplash. Forget about ordering in. There is a Wolf six-burner gas range with a showpiece vent hood and pot filler, three ovens. The area also features a seating area with fireplace, a butler’s pantry with warmers as well as walk-in cooler.
The master retreat
At 1,200 square-foot suite, the master bedroom is a home unto itself. The space has arched French doors, a private balcony with expansive views. Grab a coffee and walk out in the morning. And there is a seating area with a fireplace and breakfast bar.
The ensuite includes a spa bath with his and her marble washrooms. There is a glass shower, a stand-alone bathtub, and a 14-karat gold sink. It doesn’t stop there. A rose quartz fixtures by Sheryl Wagner, and a makeup vanity, are other features. Custom his and her dressing rooms and walk-in closets complete the picture.
Fun and games
In this home, there’s no such thing as being stuck inside with nothing to do. You don’t have to go anywhere. The games and recreation room features a large built-in bar, a pool table and lounge area. From there, it opens to a terrace with views of the mountains. Or how about a game of hoops in the half-length hardwood basketball court?
Perfect for family movie night or hosting guests, the Art Deco movie theatre features 12 reclining leather chairs. There’s a state-of-the-art projection screen and THX certified surround sound audio. And for the perfect pairing for every meal, the 1,250-bottle California Redwood temperature-controlled wine cellar holds everything you need to be your own sommelier.
Overall, you’d be hard-pressed to find this level of luxury anywhere on the Calgary real estate scene.
Other features and amenities include:
- The home is serviced on all floors with an elevator
- Six fireplaces
- Enormous windows and arched French doors
- Hardwood and tile floors
- Custom millwork throughout
- Large oval custom panelled library flanked by two offices
- Kentucky limestone and Chicago brick exterior
- Jerusalem limestone floors
- Gated circle drive featuring an antique New Orleans fountain
- A fully-enclosed outdoor kitchen with heated floors
- Terraced property with multiple patios and a courtyard with a double-sided fireplace
- Impeccably landscaped
- Attached heated six-car garage
Marlene Eisner is a freelance writer and editor. She is currently the editor of RENO+DÉCOR magazine (National) and New Home + Condo Guide magazine (Vancouver). She also writes, edits and publishes content for websites and edits master’s and PhD theses and memories.
