Chevannes, an exceptional estate in Delaware’s Chateau Country, was originally built for the first wife of Alfred I. du Pont, Bessie Gardner du Pont. Bessie had a close relationship with Alfred’s family and his cousins Pierre S. du Pont and H. Rodney Sharp assisted her in securing the land and planning the construction of the home in 1926. Albert Ely Ives was the renowned architect of this beautiful home. Said to be based on the original du Pont French homestead, Bois-des-Fosses, near the village of Chevannes, France. Nestled on a private 7+ acre parcel directly across from Winterthur, this home shares the same architect as its esteemed neighbor.
The stately home was built using stucco over solid masonry with limestone quoined corners. The residence is a testament to construction of the time with graceful proportions and exquisite architectural detail. Featuring 6 bedrooms, most with en-suite baths, and formal rooms that characterize grandeur. A walnut-paneled living room and a grand foyer reminiscent of great French homes welcome guests into a stately dining room adorned with two marble fireplaces. An expansive pantry with the original walk-in silver safe connects the dining room to a spacious kitchen. French doors open to expansive terraces overlooking formal gardens, an in-ground pool, and a 3-car heated garage.
Showcasing their dedication to details, chestnut seeds were brought from the Bois-des- Fosses estate to create an allee on the grounds that still remains. A walled brick paver courtyard creates a stunning garden. At the time of construction, this enclosure was a rose garden that was inspired by a similar rose garden at Bois-des-Fosses. The current owners added an al fresco dining garden with wood burning fireplace along with making numerous functional improvements including an internal guttering system, upgraded HVAC system, house generator, and impressive custom electric gates leading to a new driveway including the Belgian block lined circular drive court. Don’t miss your opportunity to own this stunning example of early 1900’s architecture and a piece of Delaware history.