European castle inspires happily ever after

Home and Garden

European castle inspires happily ever after

Tony and Gabrielle Silva modeled a portion of palatial Alpharetta home after a castle they saw in Belgium.

The children call this portion of the library the "Harry Potter Room," presumably for its magical-yet-academic "Hogwarts" feel.

The house is filled with artful touches, such as this Gothic-inspired detail outside the master suite. "We had all of these Medieval ideas at the time," Silva said.

Romantic white drapery billows in the poolside outdoor living room. "When we entertain in the summer, the doors are always open," Silva said.

Excavating granite underneath the home prior to construction was the most challenging part of building the estate, Silva said. The recovered stone is incorporated into the retainer walls and winding driveway.

A second spiral staircase, reminiscent of a Medieval castle, leads from the guest quarters to the garage below.

English ivy wraps around the home's stone exterior. An angel tucked into a decorative cove is wrapped in the vine, now red for autumn.

Text by KATIE LESLIE: Wanting to be closer to their children's schools, Tony and Gabrielle Silva moved into their palatial Alpharetta home in 2005. The couple modeled a portion of it after a castle they saw in Belgium.

The family of six spends most of its time in the kitchen and keeping room, Silva said. The children do their homework or play basketball in the nearby courtyard.

An ornate carved mantle designed for the home anchors the formal living room.

An elaborate tray ceiling is featured. Silva said the couple worked with interior designers, but his wife largely directed the home's decor of the home. "If my wife likes it, it's here," he joked.

A grand spiral staircase leads from the upstairs bedrooms to the wine cellar and recreation area in the basement.

The door to the wine cellar, originally from France, is estimated to be more than 400 years old, Silva said.

The impressive two-story study has rich wood paneling and a cathedral ceiling. A stairwell leads to an upstairs library.

The stately two-story foyer's crisp white walls evoke a Medieval tone, particularly with the ornate Gothic chandelier. Silva said they altered the home's design during construction. "It had a very Disney look until it was changed," he said. "It looked like a sorcerer's hat."

When not practicing piano, the Silva children might be found reading with their parents in this communal space. Travertine and Brazilian wood floors echo the dramatic coffered cathedral ceiling.

The Silvas rarely watch television, but a pool table and card-playing spaces in the wine cellar and recreation area keeps the family entertained. Arched frames continue the home's European feel.

The dynamic pool features a tumbling stone waterfall.

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The children call this portion of the library the "Harry Potter Room," presumably for its magical-yet-academic "Hogwarts" feel.

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