Whispers of a French chateau in Argentina. Can you believe it? Right here before us stands Chateau d’Ivry a true architectural gem. Built in the 1930s this magnificent palace belonged to the Duhau family. They were among Argentina’s most aristocratic. Dr Alberto Duhau a physician and passionate gardener was the driving force behind Chateau d’Ivry’s creation. He engaged the French architect Leon Dourge a man who blended French academicism with the emerging rationalism of Le Corbusier. The result is breathtaking.
Imagine the grandeur of its design. Three distinct gardens French English and Provençal surround the chateau. Artificial lakes fountains and mythological sculptures adorn the landscape. This wasn’t merely a home it was a sanctuary a testament to Dr Duhau’s refined tastes. He filled it with furniture imported from Italy and France reflecting an imperial style.
The name itself holds a captivating story. It honours Charles Lamaise an ancestor of the Duhau family. He was given the title Marquis of Foullerac by King Henry IV of France after the Battle of Ivry. This connection to French nobility added a layer of prestige to the already impressive Chateau d’Ivry.
The chateau wasn’t just a private residence. It served as a filming location. Scenes from the movie Para Elisa starring the iconic Sandro were shot amidst its beautiful gardens. This adds a touch of cinematic magic to the chateau’s legacy.
Sadly after the deaths of Alberto and his unmarried sisters the chateau passed to a nephew. Later it was sold to a trust for the development of a gated community. This closed the doors to the public. The once accessible Chateau d’Ivry now remains largely unseen a hidden treasure. Yet its story endures. It whispers tales of aristocracy artistry and the enduring charm of a French chateau in the heart of Argentina.