Chateau Pallazo Lives Up to Its Name
By Gina Dostler
The Philharmonic Society’s 23rd annual House of Design takes place this year in Shady Canyon. The home designed by renowned architect Brion Jeannette is on the market for $13.5 million. We spoke to listing agent Rachel Swardstrom of Coldwell Banker.
Q: How did your listing land in the Philharmonic House of Design?
A: It was on the market for several months and I realized, though it was a gorgeous home with a beautifully designed interior, it needed something just a little more to attract the right buyer. It fit the requirements, a home bigger than 7,000 square feet and can accommodate a café and boutique. The fact it is situated in the exclusive Shady Canyon area was a big plus. I submitted my request and we were chosen.
Q: The home has a very warm inviting feel to it.
A: I think so. And is exactly what the designers were able to bring to the home. It is a 15,000 sq. ft. estate with that Tuscany-Provence feel to it. Brion Jeannette of course brought sustainability to the home with heating units under the tennis courts that warm the pool; and each room in the house has its own heating and cooling control. It also is a smart home that connects everything in the home and accessed through a tablet or smartphone. The whole home sits above the 13th hole of the golf course and is surrounded by 16,000 acres of preserve never to be built on. The privacy of the home is wonderful.
Q: What room is your personal favorite?
A: There is a very private patio off the master bedroom that I could imagine myself sitting in quiet time with a stunning view as far as Los Angeles. I just adore that little space. But I got to see the dining retreat room come to life with silver-leaf accents applied to the ceiling; and the walls with alternating stripes of cream and pearl lustrestone that creates natural reflective stone patterns. The hours and artistry put into this room makes it so much more amazing.
Q: What about the kitchen?
A: It has red marble countertops, all one slab and a fabulous $45,000 La Cornue oven. There’s ornate carved wood on the cabinetry. The backsplash is onyx and glass that compliments the cook top area. The morning room that flows out of the kitchen overlooks the pool and the hills outside and has a custom carved marble fireplace.
Q: Have you had any offers on the house?
A: I have several very interested customers. The current owners who are selling it wanted it to be a destination retreat for a growing family so it has eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a full stadium size tennis court and solar powered lap pool. There is a spiral staircase that skillfully connects all three levels of the home. So for the makeover, 20 designers were chosen and they got to pick a room they wanted to do. All the designers donated their time and furnishings at no cost to the society’s project.
Q: You were the one to name the house.
A: That was actually the best part! I called Brion to find out his inspirations for the home. So when he told me he elevated the lot into a hill and was inspired by French and Italian villas, I named it the Chateau Pallazo, which means grand home on the hill.
Q: Tell me a little about the Philharmonic House of Design.
A: It is the key fundraising effort put out each year for the society’s youth music education programs. An unlimited entry fee is only $50. With so many cut backs for the arts in schools, this fundraiser is such an important source to help expose children to music.
Q: How can someone view the home?
A: The fundraiser is going on until the 31st of May. They are closed on Mondays and unfortunately it is not handicap accessible. You can also call 714-840-7542 or email Madeline@philharmonicsociety.org for more information.
Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thur: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for Meet the Designers; Sun: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parking and Shuttle: Quail Hill Community Park, 35 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, 92603; For May 23-24, Brandman University, 16355 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, 92618.
Rachel Swardstrom, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
6833 Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine. 92603
Office 949-552-2000, Mobile 949-573-0260
Rachel.Swardstrom@coldwellbanker.com
