The word Chateau is old French from the Latin castellum, or castle. In France, they’re the equivalent of the large plantation or ranch houses in America, and are symbol of wealth and opulence.
After spending much of the 1850’s in France, architect Richard Morris Hunt is widely credited with introducing upper class Americans to this lavish, elaborate style. Chateau-style is one of the most elaborate styles of home, with towers and spires, steeply-itched roofs, ornamented windows and doors, tall, elaborate chimneys and dormers, and are typically of stone or masonry construction.
Chateau-style is also one of the styles that is frequently employed with describing new construction properties in North Texas, although the architectural adherence of some can be questioned. But it does sound fancy, making it easier to justify ridiculous prices.
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