Bringing France to Texas - The Champ d'Or Mansion and Estate, Inspired by the Vaux-le-Vicomte, in Hickory Creek, Texas

The Champ d'Or is a common term used in real estate language.  Champ d'Or is known throughout the world, especially throughout Texas, as one of the world's most expensive, elaborate, and French inspired estates.  As I wrote in my famous article over on HubPages, it just may be my favorite of favorites among all listed real estate properties to date.  Many dislike the vibrant French inspirations and constructions of the Champ d'Or, but I enjoy them.  Realtors and asking prices have both roller coastered throughout the years the Champ d'Or has been on the market.  Regardless, in my humble opinion, it's an incredible estate that can't be beat.

It's owned by former technology corporate and CEO Alan Goldfield and his passionate wife Shirley.  Shirley was the foundation block behind the style and construction of their home.  She took several trips to Paris and became increasingly amazed by the Vaux-le-Vicomte, a famous French structure in France.  She would keenly note the description and style of the Paris landmark and brought her ideas back to Texas for her home.  After 5 years of construction, the Champ d'Or was finished in 2002.  Champ d'Or suitably translates to "fields of gold" after the Goldfield family's name.

Gosh, where do I start?  Amenities flourish throughout this 48,000 sq. foot home.  Every single room "has its own significance" says owner Shirley Goldfield. Here are some of the notable interior features of the Champ d'Or:

-48,000 sq. feet total of living space

-3 story grand foyer with breathtaking rotunda and balconies (the ceiling of the rotunda is painted sky blue with doves spreading roses for peace in America, which was completed around the time of the September 11th attacks)

-Green-floored Tea Room modeling New York's Tavern on the Green

-master suite encompassing a whole wing of the home with Marie Antoinette inspired fireplace and mantle

-powder room with a fireplace seen in the movie Titanic

-2 story master close with inspiration from Chanel Boutique in France

-indoor pool inspired by Monte Carlo

-Palace of Versailles ball room

-hallway of places inspired by Napoleon

-all furniture in the main grand salon was purchased in France

-Louis XVI grand piano

-several baccarat chandeliers

-sauna

-6 bedrooms

-6 bathrooms

-15 car garage

-TONS more

Now to the exterior.  The Champ d'Or can also be purchased with two other properties - one is 12,000 sq. feet and the other 16,000 sq. feet.  Recently listed with 25 acres of formal gardens, the whole 256 acres is now included in the listing.  The estate includes: 

-a tennis court

-outdoor pool with pool house

-formal gardens

-gate with 2 gatehouses

-several private lakes

-aces upon acres of lush Texas countryside

The Champ d'Or is truly one of the most French inspired residential homes in all of the world.  But there is one thing I forgot - the listing price!  Brace for a draw drop - $69,900,000!  I wish the realtors great luck with selling this one of a kind property.  I will keep all of you informed on updates!  

For more tons more photos, details, and possible showings, here's several Champ d'Or websites:

Champ d'Or - Listed with Coldwell Bankers

Champ d'Or - Listed with Dave Perry Miller

Thanks for reading,

John