Creating Beautiful Luxury Home Designs for over 30 years

Characteristics of a Mansion, Castle, or Palace
​What makes a residence special enough to call it a mansion?  How big is a castle or palace?  All three have several characteristics in common: they all rise above a utilitarian or common design parti.  They are special in terms of presence, grandeur, detailing, and period style correctness.  Size and form alone can define a castle or palace.  And the treatment can be either period Classical or in more recent years Contemporary.  
Importance of Proportion and Details
​The quality of the design makes them unique and noteworthy.  Proportions are key for period style work.  All elements relate to each other in a prescribed manner: the columns and arches are to proper scale in relation to the massing of the entire building.  If a historic style is being emulated then the strict defining proportions of window and door to wall, to decorative treatments in stone and metal, to the form of the roof, etc.
Interiors must be Period Correct
In addition, to be period correct, the interiors must bear the stamp of the time and follow accordingly.
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You can bring an eclectic group of styles under one roof but this approach is very difficult to prove satisfactory.  Better to decide to create a completely contemporary or modern design.  (French foyer at left by John Henry Architect)

Inspiration

There is something special about historical castles, mansions and palaces.  Yes, they are not built the same way in our era due to cost and a dearth of craftspeople to execute properly.  But a very convincing design can be created now.

Period Interiors

There is much that can be reproduced from Italian and French Renaissance prototypes.  It requires scaling of all elements down from the whole to the individual parts.  A very accurate reproduction can be made which will create the background for actual furnishings and accessories.  The level of detail can be adjusted.

Period Style

The first decision must be to select a style that is not only appealing but will work properly with your site, budget, and interior space floor plan.  Keep in mind that a symmetrical design is more difficult to make work properly than an asymmetrical one.

Architectural Response

Please review our work to see the quality of the design of our beautiful castles, mansions and palaces!  Start with a period model and see how it compares to others within a style.  We can reproduce exactly or work within a budget to create a wonderful magical and romantic residence for you.
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We can create a fabulous custom period design for you based on any European style.  Start from scratch or alter an existing residence we have in our plan files.   Contact us to discuss the best approach.

John Henry Architect  
MasterWorks Design International, Inc.
7491 Conroy Rd. Ste. J  Orlando Fl. 32835
TEL: 407 421-6647
​EMAIL: johnhenryarchitect@gmail.com

See Video of Mediterranean Luxury Home here: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJD-bejHsk8
Mansions, Palaces, Castle Luxury Houses Plans