Atlanta interpretation of a French chateau

Home and Garden

Atlanta interpretation of a French chateau

Gracey McKeown and architect Keith Summerour transformed a generic house plan into a deeply personalized French chateau-inspired estate in Buckhead.

Text by KATIE LESLIE: Nearly a decade ago, Gracey McKeown purchased land in Buckhead with plans to build a deeply personalized home. With generic house plans given to her by a friend, she worked with architect Keith Summerour, who transformed the plan into a French chateau-inspired estate.

Summerour incorporated elegant architectural details, such as this cathedral coffered ceiling in the living room, into the gated home. McKeown said those touches make his work special.

The kitchen glistens with creamy faux-finished cabinetry, and an adjacent keeping room has a French fireplace. McKeown is offering the nearly 6,000-square-foot home for $3 million. Linda Williams and Glennis Beacham of Beacham & Company Realtors are handling the sale.

Buddy, McKeown's Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, likes to sleep in the cove of her limestone fireplace. "He's the biggest [Wheaten Terrier] I've ever seen," McKeown said. "I think his father was a miniature horse."

The home is equipped with clever storage solutions, such as this unexpected space for a television.

McKeown said the rich raised-panel library is a replica of a house she loved in Baltimore. Artwork in the home is a mix of family heirlooms, such as original J.J. Audobon paintings, and pieces McKeown discovered at places such as Scott Antique Market.

McKeown regularly entertains in her spacious home. "There's a bar in every room -- what does that tell you?" she joked.

The airy dining room adds to the decidedly French appeal with Louis XVI sidechairs.

McKeown's silver collection shines against black hidden storage compartments in the dining room.

The master bedroom is surrounded by French doors leading to the courtyard. "When I sit in there and open all those doors, it's like I'm sitting in the garden," McKeown said. A morning kitchen (background) keeps beverages close at hand.

The master suite features windows overlooking the garden, as well as spacious his-and-her walk-in closets.

Wrought-iron railings evoke European elegance.

The unusual shape of the doorframes adds visual interest to the upstairs hallway.

This guest suite features charming twin beds, custom linens and a private bath. The home has four bedrooms with an optional bedroom McKeown uses as a den.

From the headboard to the bench at the foot of the bed, custom upholstery ties this guest suite together.

An unexpected keyhole window inside the home allows light to stream through an upstairs bedroom to the foyer below.

The den and playroom have a home theatre system and pool area for when the grandchildren visit. A mini-kitchen keeps treats nearby.

The home has a space dedicated to wrapping gifts.

Sunshine streams through a pocket door that leads to the laundry station.

All the first-floor rooms have French doors leading to McKeown's noted courtyard and garden. Legendary garden designer Ryan Gainey and Dan Cleveland of Boxwoods designed the space.

McKeown's home has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Trends Magazine for its stately, yet comfortable gardens.

Even in the fall, McKeown's garden bursts with life. The affable McKeown joked that she started gardening as a child by clipping plants from neighbors' gardens. "I don't really know how to garden; it's an experiment. If it doesn't work, just move it."

The pergola at the back adds a lush frame to the pool.

The covered outdoor living room by the pool features several seating vignettes around the stately fireplace.

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Text by KATIE LESLIE: Nearly a decade ago, Gracey McKeown purchased land in Buckhead with plans to build a deeply personalized home. With generic house plans given to her by a friend, she worked with architect Keith Summerour, who transformed the plan into a French chateau-inspired estate.

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