An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Luce by Timothy Corrigan is a must-see book.
Timothy Corrigan is one of Architectural Digest’s top 100 list. In addition, he has been in the top 100 for the past eight years. In addition, he is known for his ability to combine European elegance with California comfort.
Therefore, I had the great fortune of briefly meeting Timothy Corrigan last spring. We met at the Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles. In addition, I met his assistant, Elaine Maltzman. Elaine is an absolute delight.
An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Luce
Corrigan’s book is special. Special because within its pages unfold the story. The story of his immediate connection and love affair with the eighteenth century Chateau du Grand-Luce.
Chateau du Grand-Luce is located in the Loire Valley in France.
What I love most in the book is Corrigan’s perseverance. For instance, Corrigan was relentless with French authorities to purchase the Chateau. That’s how much he loved it. Therefore, he persisted that authorities choose him. He was among many others. His reason to purchase: to restore the Chateau to its original grandeur.
In conclusion, Corrigan’s persistence paid off. Tim purchased the Chateau.
The Restoration
Corrigan restored the Chateau. He collaborated with Les Architectes des Batiments de France. For instance, this collaboration made sure the heritage was preserved. In return, he had full control of the interior design.
What resonates with me the most about Timothy Corrigan is his design philosophy.
His philosophy is to create spaces with comfortable elegance. Like Chateau du Grande-Luce.
My mother decorated Hadley Court in a comfortable and elegant way. Therefore, this is how I design my client’s homes today.
Corrigan concludes his lovely book with a story.
The story is about how he ends his guests’ visit in Chateau du Grande-Luce.
He sends his guests off for one last adventure in a hot-air balloon.
The ride is at sunrise.
Guests fly high above the Chateau. After that, guests float over the beautiful countryside.
The balloon touches down in a farm field to popping corks.
Above all, everyone feels full of life.
Corrigan’s final blessing to his readers is:
“Make your home work for you. In turn, it will help you do the same for all aspects of life.