The Chateau, Autun
Hidden in a fenced community off Boot Road in West Chester, lies the ever so precious Autun. Named for its cousin across the pond in Autun, France, this special domain has a authentic French Chateau as its centerpiece. Draped around it are 8 more carriage homes clustered 2 or 3 together, each one unique and its own petit variation of the Chateau.
This mansion was designed in 1928 by Edmund Gilcrest, a famous Philadelphia architect at the request of the owner Benjamin Rush III (descendant of the second signer of the Declaration of Independence). Mr. Gilcrest was sent to Autun, France to get the small details of a chateau first hand and just right. Several circular staircases, a walnut library, complete with secret hidden doors overlook the formal garden dressed in luscious grapes that still provide a harvest for its owners.
Lovely grounds!
The grounds are magnificent with seven acres protected and lush wooded acres, designated as a “Backyard Habitat”. The chateau itself is listed on the National Register of fine homes under its name “Autun”.
The Carriage Houses!
All of the carriage homes feature at least 2 master suites on the second floor, each with individual bathrooms and closets and are further enhance with their cedar lined window seats. Lots of French doors grace each unit along with flagstone patios, master suite copper balcony and a covered garage. Premier moldings and custom finishes are found everywhere.
The main floor in each unit could easily be converted into a master bedroom complete with a third full bathroom. Many of the homes have finished basements that are used for play, work or storage.
Trust me, you will feel like you need your passport to enter this European style cul-de-sac. I know, I have lived here for ten years and for many of those years I was President of the HOA.
Chester County Living 