BRASELTON, GA. – Chateau Elan Winery & Resort the enchanting chateau and full-service winery nestled among North Georgia’s picturesque foothills, unveils plans for an extensive $25 million dollar renovation, scheduled for completion in November 2019. The complete transformation introduces a fresh, yet timeless, modernized design while delivering a unique, distinctly southern concept dressed in French undertones, honoring the existing estate’s 16th century-style charm. Beckoning a new generation, the transformation will include a complete overhaul of 251 guest rooms and 24 suites, four new food and beverage outlets, the winery, as well as the resort lobby, with a facelift to the existing pool terrace and immersive spa.
Conceptualized by the Atlanta-based interior and architectural design firm, BLUR Workshop the team was tasked to lead the multi-million dollar renovation formulating a design concept representative of the resort’s vast southern locale – inspired by the surrounding rolling hills and lush vineyards. Accessorized with local artwork, further defining its sense of place, the new design features a modern palate painted in variations of gray and taupe with pops of chartreuse, turquoise and gold, warmed by rich wood accents, elegant lighting, white Calcutta marble and industrial touches including tufted leather, wrought iron and carved limestone. Giving a nod to its topography, the design will boast vineyard inspired details throughout, with the most dramatic being a custom-made glass chandelier hand-blown in Crystal Valley of the Czech Republic, shaped to mimic the shifting grape vines along the vast rolling hills.
“Embarking on a renovation of this magnitude for a resort destination with such a well-respected reputation requires a committed responsibility to honor the property’s legacy, while still delivering upon the modernized expectation to mirror our ever-growing wine, epicurean and experiential programs,” said Ed Walls, general manager, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. “Every single detail was hand-selected with great intention and we cannot wait to introduce the new generation to our beloved Chateau Elan.”
Project details include:
- Full redesign of 251 guestrooms and 24 suites including custom designed carpeting, bathrooms with upgrades including freestanding vanity areas made of wood and stone. The selected color palette of greys and taupes simplify the backdrop, allowing for pops of walnut, brushed oak and the studded, leather-tufted headboard to make a statement.
- Upgrading corridors to create a clean and sophisticated feel, the reimagination uses local Georgia carpeting, a raw silk inspired wall covering layered by local art and iron sconces to help tell the resort’s rich, modernized story.
Maximizing every square foot to enhance the resort’s public spaces, the renovation will include a fully refurbished lobby, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere complete with a centrally located, custom carved limestone fireplace and hand-tufted rugs. The atrium will also be fully transformed with white marble and natural details complimented by polished bronze and gold accents, in addition to adding a cozy, vintage-inspired library and 2,000-piece crystal chandelier dripping across the glass ceiling – evoking the shifting landscape of the vineyard.
- Adding flair to both flavor and design, the renovation calls for both revamped and completely new food and beverage outlets to create individualized, yet cohesive, gathering options.
- Adding to the ‘new’ will be a coffee and wine bar located in the lobby, which delivers a modern take on a Paris cafe, combined with a curated gift shop and outdoor seating. The Marc Bar will be added to the back of the winery restaurant incorporating French oak, iron accents and soapstone. The all-new expansive Atrium Bar, designed to anchor the grand room, will be crowned with an iconic 40-foot Douglas fir wood sculpture, which was crafted around the vineyard’s movement to be interactive, changing views as you drift through the space.
- The revamped areas include a complete transformation of Versailles, the American cuisine buffet located in the Atrium and a full overhaul, including rebranding, of the existing L’Auberge Lounge to Louis’ House of Bourbon - which will act as a contemporary sports bar with the ambiance of an old-world speakeasy. With wood paneling, leather furniture, eclectic art, neon signage and a curated bourbon display behind the glowing amber bar, the lounge will be a junction between country and chic to evoke the southern charm of Kentucky bourbon, while the old-world accents recall the bar’s French namesake, Louis.
“We were tasked by Wheelock Street Capital to deliver a new and fresh image for Chateau Elan: one that was distinctly southern and sophisticated, yet welcoming,” said Foreman Rogers, principal, BLUR Workshop. “It was important to us to make the design authentic, using as many local artists and craftsmen as possible.”
The renovation of Chateau Elan Winery & Resort follows the recent purchase of the property by an affiliate of the Connecticut based real estate investment firm, Wheelock Street Capital, in January 2018. “Since joining the Chateau Elan family, we have looked forward to this much anticipated transformation,” said Keith Manning, vice president of asset management, Wheelock Street Capital. “Creating a cohesive, refreshed and timeless design, was the natural next step to set the tone for our guests and elevate the overall resort experience.”
Located within the bustling Atlanta metro of Braselton, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort offers guests a unique destination experience accessorized by lush vineyards and marked by its unmatched luxury, distinguished offerings and amenities. Home to one of the most awarded wineries on the east coast, a variety of delectable restaurants, 40,000-square-feet of meeting space, a 35,000-square-foot European spa, 45 holes of championship golf and a newly renovated golf club house and tennis center, Chateau Elan invites guests of all preferences to explore and enjoy the property’s picturesque land and architecture.
