Case Study: Modernizing a French Chateau, A Luxury Remodel
Project Location: Santa Rosa, CA ~ Sonoma County
General Contractor: McNeil Construction & Remodeling Inc.
Overview
This beautiful French recreation was built by the original owner with most of the materials shipped from France. Our clients purchased it with the intent of altering it to fit their young family and yet retain the feel and charm of a French Chateau.
The Remodel
The project began with many meetings with the designers to make sure that all were clear on the scope of work and everyone’s responsibilities. The work encompassed remodeling 4 full bathrooms, a laundry room, a partial remodel of the kitchen, a new detached dog/cat house with warm floors and running water, and creating a closet out of an attic space above the master bathroom with its own HVAC system. We also overhauled the existing HVAC system, upgraded the electrical and plumbing systems.
Interior
The remodel started with the demo and during this process we found some questionable work was uncovered and corrected.
During the remodel of the master bath, the floor, tile, lower closets, and shower was removed. This bathroom has a one piece marble tub from the Napoleon era so special care was taken to not move or damage this one of a kind tub. New plumbing was installed along with new fixtures throughout the room. A special warming system was installed into the floors. Once that was complete a grid of mahogany was laid over the floor and custom made tiles were installed into the space to create a beautiful contrasting grid. Once the trim was installed everything was painted and custom cabinets were installed into both closets.
The guest bath located above the garage was completely reconfigured to better utilize the space. Before the remodel it was too tight and awkward to use. A new hardwood floor and closet system were installed along with new tiles, furnishings, and fixtures to give this space the feel of a very high end hotel.
The girls bath was reconfigured to include a custom full tub and beauty station with an in-drawer plug for the hair dryer. All tile and fixtures were chosen to fit her personality with feminine colors and accessories.
The boys bath was reconfigured to accommodate a custom walk-in shower. Custom tile and fixtures were installed to fit his personality and match the dog theme chosen for this room.
For the master closet, we installed an authentic metal French spiral staircase sourced by the owner. Some metal fabrication and welding was needed to bring this remarkable piece to a workable nature. We reinforced the floor, framed in the walls, rerouted the bath and HVAC ducting from below, installed plaster and painted the drywall. We then added all new lighting and outlets and installed cabinets per the owners design.
In the kitchen new custom made doors, counter tops and back splash were installed. We upgraded the electrical and plumbing and re-plastered and painted the room.
The laundry room was gutted and reworked to be more user friendly and comfortable. The powder room was upgraded with a quality toilet, fixtures, and new paint.
A new custom wine cellar was installed under the stairs. The wine cellar was equipped with its own climate control.
The house’s cable, phone and data lines were upgraded. We then installed a new house control/monitor system.
Exterior
A detached dog and cat house was built for their pets. This structure was built on a slab and incorporates a warm floor system and running water for the dog bowls that drain through the floor into the garden. The exterior is stucco and roof tiles were ordered from France. All the details of this building were made to match the house perfectly. A fountain was installed on the back side overlooking the pool and spa area. A smaller portion of this building was made to house the pooling equipment and filters. While building the dog house, the custom pool was excavated and installed.
New custom weather stripping was installed on all existing doors due to leakage. All fireplaces were refitted for propane use. as well as one for the back yard. An extra large propane tank was installed in-ground away from the house.
Outcome
Our clients are more than pleased and have remarked how they feel like they are in Shangri-la every day. I am honored to have been chosen for this project. They have a home that looks like a French chateau with all the comforts of a modern home and fits all their needs.
