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Chateau d'Amour - Where Elegance and Romance Embrace

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Banika Nov 2021
Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 16496.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Wake Forest, NC
  • Country Club at Wakefield Plantation
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bonus room/ 6th bedroom

1 Double Sofa Bed

Office on First Floor / Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Owner Suite

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 3

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 4

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 5

Toilet

Owner Suite

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Chateau d'Amour - Where Elegance and Romance Embrace

Perched on top of a hill, this modern Victorian-inspired home exudes luxury & timeless charm on a 2-acre, private lot in Wake Forest. Step into a world of Southern elegance with an inviting wrap-around porch, covered patio and a nine-window turret adding to the home's character. Surrounded by high-end homes, embrace the harmony of nature with bird songs, dine al fresco on the porch with garden-fresh herbs, and create cherished memories under starry or moonlit skies with loved ones.

The Story

America has provided countless individuals with the opportunity for a better life, and our family is grateful to be one of them. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who came before us, which have afforded us the peace, freedom, and lifestyle we enjoy today.

Through hard work, persistence, and determination, we've turned our dreams into reality. With a large family, we needed a space where we could celebrate without inconveniencing others. Mom's desire for a wrap-around porch and my wish for a turret, with its natural light and expansive views, were brought to life by a known and highly acclaimed architect and built by a local, reputable custom builder.

Over the past 15 years, family members who were staying at the property waxed and waned as they went on to have their own homes prompting us to share this American Dream with others. It's heartwarming to witness others enjoy our home, even for a brief time.

Chateau d'Amour aptly reflects the love that fills this space, dedicated to family and friends.

The Space:

Chateau d'Amour embodies luxurious yet relaxed living. Its sculptural facade and expansive verandas offer comfort and a warm welcome. Upon entry, an 80-foot view axis leads through the rotunda to the family room fireplace. The circular floor plan effortlessly connects the formal living room, formal dining through the butler's pantry, kitchen and den. Access to the outdoors is provided by the covered outdoor dining and BBQ porch and through the formal dining room. The circular stairway in the rotunda leads to the spacious primary suite retreat. The upper floor includes a guest suite, two suites sharing the turret, and a large media room with a bar area.

Despite its substantial 5,348 sq ft size, the home feels far from overwhelming exuding warm and cozy ambiance. Whether it's karaoke in the family room, piano in the formal living room, watching tv in the bonus room or playing pool /table tennis in the garage or dancing under the moonlight on the outside dance floor, each space is designed for enjoyment and privacy from other activities.

Watching the changing seasons, from cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring to hummingbirds in summer, or fireflies at night or the golden leaves in the fall create a serene atmosphere. The property's bird feeding stations attract a variety of North Carolina birds. A telescope and binoculars enhance the experience.

Other Important Details:

The bedroom configurations are as follow:

Owners Suite - king-size bed located on 2nd floor. Has an elevated, pentagon shaped sitting area with a loveseat. Has en suite luxury bath with a jetted claw foot tub and a walk in shower.

2nd BR - queen-size bed with a twin trundle bed, a sitting ledge and en suite bathroom also accessed through bonus room

3rd BR right of turret - 2 queen-size beds with en suite bathroom

4th BR left of turret - king size bed and a settee with en suite bathroom

Bonus room - sectional sofa with a pull out queen bed. One can sleep on the other side of the sofa and one can have an airbed here as well. One airbed provided.

Office on 1st Floor - turned into a bedroom has a queen size bed. No full bath on first floor. Only half guest bath.

The home can accomodate up to 16 people with shared beds, except for the twin beds.

The property is fenced upfront only with a custom-designed wrought iron gate at the front, manually operated at this time, for added security.

Security cameras are recently installed with one by the front door, another in the left side of the house. There are no indoor cameras.


Guest Access:

Guests have access to all areas of the home, except for the large master closet, the storage room off the bonus room, and the detached garage. Currently, only the two-car portion of the attached four-car garage is available for use.

Interaction with Guests:

Upon arrival, you will be shown around the house if there is a chance. Otherwise, you will be given a code to enter the front and side door of the property. There is no key.

Property manager

Judith de la Cruz
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
One could smoke outside.
All outdoor noise, including music and loud conversations, must stop by 9:00 PM. Guests should keep car music at a low volume upon arrival.
Only registered guests are allowed; visitors need host approval. Brief drop-bys only. Approved providers (food delivery, photographers) permitted.
Guests need approval to move furniture or for commercial shoots. No high heels or heavy luggage inside to protect the hardwood floors.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Wake Forest

Located in Wake Forest, this holiday home is in a rural area. E. Carroll Joyner Park and Falls Lake Visitor Assistance Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Polar Ice House and Gotcha Paintball. Travelling with kids? Consider Adventure Landing and Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Wake Forest, NC

What's nearby

  • Country Club at Wakefield Plantation - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary - 8 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Falls Lake State Recreation Area - 13 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Triangle Town Center - 15 min drive - 17.6 km
  • Crabtree Valley Mall - 24 min drive - 28.3 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 28 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Chateau d'Amour - Where Elegance and Romance Embrace pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Chateau d'Amour - Where Elegance and Romance Embrace?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Chateau d'Amour - Where Elegance and Romance Embrace?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Chateau d'Amour - Where Elegance and Romance Embrace located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Polar Ice House, and Wake Forest Farmers Market. E. Carroll Joyner Park and Wake Forest Historical Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top notch in every way

Fantastic property all high-end appliances finishing beautifully decorated massive amount of space just as described photographs are accurate host was accommodating and extremely nice left. Several nice touches have stayed here before and will again. You will not be disappointed. Overall, just top notch experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ed & Vicki W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property

The house was excellent for our party of 11. 2 toddlers. House was in excellent condition. Our host responded immediately to our questions. Maria was a fantastic host on all fronts. Paper products were more than ample. Kitchen utensils were numerous and high quality.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding party

I would definitely recommend this home. Myself and the groomsmen for son’s wedding stayed here for two nights. Absolutely perfect!! Hostess was exceptional!!very kind and thoughtful! Great location! The guys loved back yard! Played corn hole and had a fire in fire pit. Also loved the gas space heaters on back porch. Highly recommend !
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Concert rendezvous

3.5 couples coming together for a local concert with a shared house to relax and play cards - super location with great sleeping options for the 7 adults in our party
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay!

We were in town for our sisters wedding and needed a place for a lot of family members to stay together (including 4 kids under 6). The home is absolutely beautiful. It was fully stocked with everything we needed. Beds were so comfortable and everyone slept well! We made a big breakfast for everyone who stayed and had plenty of plates and utensils to accommodate us. The outdoor areas are a dream and the kids enjoyed the play structure! The host was the sweetest and very accommodating!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eleana H., Wilton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous House and Host

Thank you so much for the wonderful stay in your beautiful home. My family and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Look forward to visiting the home again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Golf Trip

As usual a great experience for our annual golf tournament. The renovations to the house were great.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

This was one of the best experiences I have had renting a property. The owners stopped by to introduce themselves. Provided quality directions to area needs. The house was super clean and well taken care of with plenty of space. This experience was a 10/10.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

S P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great memories

It was unforgettable. Everyone loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dyan P., Raleigh, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

REMARKABLE

The property is gorgeous and well-kept. Communication with Judith was professional and very welcoming. We celebrated our 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and the setting was awesome. We enjoyed it so much that we will be renting again!!!! Thanks to Judith for being the perfect host!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

dannielle j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfort

Chateau d'Amour Was an amazing spot to have my 40th birthday gathering. Host was top tier friendly and inviting. I could not ask for more. Everything I needed and wanted was already at the property. If you are thinking of staying at this property don’t think twice. Truly a wonderfully experience.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent graduation stay

We were in NC for our son’s graduation from Duke. There were 11 of us and the house was perfect! Beautiful home and super clean. So many fun times on the wrap around porch sipping coffee in the morning, card games around the dining room table, and listening to my son’s girlfriend play the piano. Enough beds for us all and the kitchen was huge and allowed us to eat most meals at the house. The owner was excellent to work with and communication was impeccable from start to finish. Super prompt with all inquiries and fixed any issue within minutes. She left scrumptious pastries for our arrival which was so appreciated and unexpected. Could not recommend this place more if you have a large party in the Durham/Raleigh/Wake Forest area!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Seamless, perfect!

This property is absolutely lovely and perfect for families. There are multiple inside and outside places to gather. We hosted a brunch from here which was seamless (flying biscuit was amazing). Our host, Maria was incredibly informative and helpful, the landscaping is gorgeous, the children’s playground gym outside was very popular as was the media room upstairs. The kitchen is perfect for large families and the butler’s pantry (with a walk in pantry closet) leading to the formal dining room was perfect for flow. The ceilings in each and every room are palatial and elegant, there are seating nooks everywhere. The online pictures do not do justice to the beauty and spaciousness of this home. The lighting is exceptional, the decor and furnishings very practical and lovely. Every window had a gorgeous, natural view. The parking was perfect for our wedding brunch. We traveled with our 18month old Granddaughters and babyquip.com/anna514 delivered and set up our cribs, table seats, strollers and toys, then returned after to pick up and was a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend this venue, especially if you are planning a wedding (Pinehill Pavilion was amazing).
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beezer

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Perfect North Carolina Retreat

My family and I had a very specific need for a rental home in North Carolina the week of Sept. 27th ~ Oct. 3rd. It was our daughters wedding celebration weekend. We needed a home that could comfortably fit 10-12 people and host a small gathering of about 20-25 guests. We 100% picked the correct home. There is ample space indoor and outdoors so you will not feel cramped up. Plus you also have the garage space as an entertainment area to use with a pool table and a ping pong table. The Chateau D’amour was breathtaking in person and far exceeded our expectations. Not only was the property the perfect venue but the owners were just as good. We booked their home 3 months or so in advance with adding a few changes along the way. Never did I have to wait for a response from them. I also kept in direct communication with them throughout the stay to work through any questions we had. Again, they were quick to respond. It is very comforting to a renter to know the property owner is available at a moments notice to help correct any potential issues. If we had any need for this space in the future we wouldn’t hesitate to use it again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such an amazing stay!

It was a great property for all of my family from out of town. We absolutely loved the space and how beautiful the home was! It was even better than the pictures.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barb P., Advance, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

The house was so beautiful. Had to meet the owner for check in she was very polite. Communication wIth owner was easy and prompt.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

gregory p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Perfect....

Wonderful property and host. A true modern Luxury Victorian Home. We greatly enjoyed the stay... truly five star!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Better than advertised

The house and grounds are stunning. The host checked to make sure our stay was comfortable and smooth. Everyone enjoyed themselves. The house could be in Better Hones and garden
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

diane D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home

This beautiful home met all of our needs. It was spacious and comfortable with plenty of beds and baths to accommodate everyone in our party plus some, has a wonderful wrap around porch for morning coffee, reading or just relaxing and a lovely yard. The host was communicative, easily accessible and addressed all of our needs. I highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alyson H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular home!

Beautiful, exquisite home. Property owners were welcoming and left fruit, water, etc. We celebrated our daughter’s college graduation and would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Babita V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fabulous Thanksgiving week!

We stayed at Villa Banika for the Thanksgiving week. We were 3 families with 6 adults and 4 kids below 10yrs. During COVID times, it was such a relief to have a beautiful place, withe everything you need. A lot of space, beautiful front yard and backyard, a small playground that kept my kids occupied, fully equipped kitchen, entertainment, pool table, pretty much everything was taken care of. The owner was extremely helpful and very quick to respond. We mostly stayed at the property, cooked lots of meals and spent time with each other. This property was a perfect choice! We hope to return again!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sue L., Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful luxury home

Our family was so fortunate to find this beautiful property and gracious owner for our daughters wedding. It was more than everything we had hoped. Great location and plenty of space for all!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Grace S., Windermere, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Time

We were in Raleigh for my son’s wedding and wanted a home to stay where we could visit with family and all stay together. Villla Banika was better than I could have even imagined! Starting with the beautiful landscaping and wrap around porch, to the huge yard, we knew it would be a great place for our family. We stepped inside to a beautiful and welcoming home with fresh fruit and fresh cut flowers throughout the home. The home was spacious and gave us plenty of room to sit and visit and play create treasured memories!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Cameron P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Quick Stay

Stayed 2 nights and stay was great. Beautiful property and was perfect for our big family.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving getaway

We just got back from an amazing stay at Villa Banika. The property was immaculate, as good as the pictures online, and Judith was a lovely hostess, even to the point of leaving us fresh fruit and cut flowers in the great room. The fireplaces made living so cozy and our crew of 8 had such a lovely experience staying there and cooking a turkey dinner in the fully stocked chef's kitchen. Everything was perfect and wonderful. Thank you so much Judith!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019

About the host

Hosted by Judith de la Cruz

Host profile image
Having a big, close knit family is what motivated me to build this home. Plenty of space to enjoy each others company.

People ask me why I share my home. I say why not. I used to sleep on the floors with a straw mat growing up. I had no bedroom of my own, 8 kids, one toilet. I am used to sharing. I cherish everything because I know how it is to come from just having the basics of life.

I am a local residential real estate agent of 29 years. I have a 31 member immediate family. I love to dance under the moonlight, smell the roses, gardenias, camias and the herbs in the garden. The only time we were permitted as kids o play outside at night was during full moon nights., hence the reverence

I love plants so you will see live plants in and outside of the home. Recently planted fruit trees in the back. I find gardening relaxing. I love all kinds of music ranging from classic to the 90's. I was a teenager in the 80's.

I only know how to play one piece on the piano and that is Vera's theme which I learned by ear. The baby grand is a Yamaha diskclavier where it plays by itself but that gadget is no longer functioning. However, the piano still sounds good if you can play.

I love to travel locally and internationally. Paris, France is a place I want to visit over and over again due to it's food, language, arts, Versailles, the Eiffel tower and the River Siene.
The place amplifies my romantic energies. haha Not to mention that Medecins Sans Frontieres was the last to leave my hometown of Guiuan, E. Samar Philippines from the effects of one of the worlds worst typhoons ever, Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

The detached garage is currently being finsihed as an additional dwelling unit (ADU ). This is my partner and I will live when it gets completed in October 2024.. You will have no reason to feel discomfort because unless you need me for anything, you will be left alone to enjoy the home.

Why they chose this property

I picked this location to be away from everyone so I can enjoy my big family. But development came right behind and around me so now I am back to back with other homes. I miss the privacy we once had. However, it is still a blessing because the type of homes that have been built and still continually being built around the property are beautiful custom homes.

What makes this property unique

It is a custom built, modern Victorian home which is rare to see nowadays when the trend is modern and craftsman homes. The wrap around porch, turret, the rotunda....

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests