I ran into fashion designer, Edo Popken, earlier this week at the kickoff party for the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational. I've known Edo for about a year. He travels back and forth from Europe where his menswear empire is based. If you haven't been to his store, grab your man and head down to the Design District or the Galleria. Very cool attire. The point is, that I learned something new about Edo this week which is he owns a fabulous villa in France. Chateau de Venteuil was built in 1760 and is a beautifully renovated XVIII century castle.
It's Jardin a la Francaise is a masterpiece seldom seen in castles of the same type. From the gardens, one can enjoy a breathtaking view on the Marne valley. The castle's park and gardens are a tribute to the family Jussieu - famous for their work in botanic - who owned Venteuil and enjoyed beautiful summers in the castle for several generations.
The castle is conveniently located 40 minutes away form the heart of Paris, 30 minutes from Disneyland Paris, and 45 minutes from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport. A 3-bedroom Guesthouse and a Private 1-bedroom apartment are available for booking. The Chateau offers "Experience Packages" such as an Edo Popken Champagne and cigar tasting, La Cuisine du Chateau: cooking class and discovery of the local Brie and Coulommiers cheese, French language class and guided cultural tours by certified French instructor. Learn more at http://chateaudeventeuil.com/index.html.
So, if you are looking for an adventure for Valentine's Day or perhaps planning your Summer vacation, I know a guy with a castle... C'est magnifique!
photos c/o Edo Popken