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Chateau d'Amour - A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest

Family-friendly holiday home in Wake Forest with a fitness centre

Photo gallery for Chateau d'Amour - A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest

Nov 2021. This floor plan won 17 awards in the 2003 Seattle Street of Dreams.
Exterior
Photo taken in Sept. 2025 showing the fenced backyard and the carriage home.
The playset in this picture started to be unsafe so it is now dismantled.
These bushes are called buddleias. Bees and butterflies swarm thes bushes n sumr

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 16508.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
  • Place, Polar Ice House
  • Place, Falls Lake State Recreation Area
  • Airport, Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bonus room/ 6th bedroom

1 Double Sofa Bed

Office on First Floor / Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Owner Suite

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 3

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 4

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 5

Toilet

Owner Suite

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Chateau d'Amour - A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest

Château d’Amour — A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest

Perched high upon a whispering hill, where the breeze hums through the pines and sunsets linger a little longer, Château d’Amour awaits. This modern Victorian gem blends Southern grace and timeless romance, cradled within two private acres of pure serenity.

Wrap yourself in the magic of a wrap-around porch, where rocking chairs sway in rhythm with the crickets’ song. Wander past the nine-window turret that catches both dawn’s first light and the moon’s last gleam. Here, luxury feels personal — and every detail tells a story of love, laughter, and lingering afternoons.

Dine al fresco under starlit skies, season your meals with herbs plucked fresh from the garden, and let the night air weave stories only the heart can hear. Whether it’s the call of a mockingbird or the laughter of loved ones echoing through the porch, this is where moments turn into memories.

The Story — Dreams Built by Heart

Like many before us, our family came to America chasing a dream — one built on courage, gratitude, and grit. Over the years, with hard work (and a fair bit of laughter), we shaped that dream into this home: a haven for family, friends, and joy.

Mom dreamed of a wrap-around porch for long summer talks; I dreamed of a turret drenched in sunlight and views that could quiet the soul. With the help of a talented architectural team from the Northwest and a skilled local builder, our dreams took shape — one beam, one stone, one wish at a time.

Sixteen years later, though the family has grown and scattered, our love for this home remains unshaken. Sharing it with guests has been our greatest delight — watching others feel the same wonder we do when the evening stars begin to shimmer and the landscape lights glow.

Château d’Amour isn’t just a name — it’s our love letter to togetherness.

The Place — Where Elegance Meets Ease

Step through the grand rotunda crowned with a dome and feel the rhythm of the home unfold — an 80-foot sightline stretching from front door to glowing hearth. The layout flows in graceful circles, connecting the den, dining room, and living spaces like a waltz of comfort and connection.

The spiral staircase beckons upward to a realm of rest and romance — turret bedrooms kissed by sunlight, a primary suite with fireplace and reading nook, and a media room ready for karaoke nights or cozy films.

At nearly 5,500 square feet, plus 900 feet of porch for breezy lounging, the home feels grand yet intimate — a place where every voice has room to laugh, and every soul finds its corner of calm.

Seasons here are like chapters in a novel:

Spring blushes with cherry blossoms, pussy willows, amaryllis, fringe flowers and azaleas.

Summer hums with roses, hydrangeas, gardenias, bougainvilleas, buddleias, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and the glow of fireflies.

Autumn paints the trees in gold.
And through it all, the songs of the birds never truly fade.

Telescope? Check. Binoculars? Of course. Curiosity? Always welcome.

Rest Easy — Accommodations

First Floor

Converted Office/Bedroom: Queen bed, workspace, bookshelf. (Half bath nearby for convenience.)

Second Floor

Owner’s Suite: King bed, pentagon sitting area with fireplace, en-suite bath with jetted clawfoot tub and shower.

Bedroom 2: Queen bed + twin trundle, window seating, shared en-suite bath with bonus room.

Bedroom 3 (Right of Turret): Two queen beds, private bath, walk-in closet.

Bedroom 4 (Left of Turret): King bed, settee, private bath, walk-in closet.

Bonus Room: Sectional with pull-out queen; extra linens provided for added guests. Fireplace and has access to bathroom.

Delightful Details & Gentle Guidelines

Fully fenced backyard (newly installed June 2025) — perfect for kids to play.

New roof - April 2025. Fresh exterior paint - May 2025. Newly painted garage, newly epoxied garage floors. May 2025. New high end garage doors, August 2025.

Elegant front entrance framed by stone pillars, wrought iron fencing, and a custom made gate by a renowned Romanian artisan. Property has a 200' setback from the main road.

Detached carriage house nearby with private residents who will stay out of sight — unless you need a helping hand.

Events are allowed for a fee. Reach out to host for details. Plenty of parking space. Allowed to park on grass.

Come stay at Château d’Amour — where time slows, laughter lingers, and the skies feel close enough to touch.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 1:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We have a crib and a high chair for the babies.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events allowed up to 50 incldng guests for a FEE.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
One could smoke outside.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No 3rd party bookings. You book, you stay. Extra fee for events. All outdoor noise must stop by 9:00 PM. No professional DJ/noise outside.
Only registered guests are allowed; visitors need host approval. Brief drop-bys only. Approved providers (food delivery, photographers) permitted.
Guests need approval to move furniture or for commercial shoots. No high heels or heavy luggage inside to keep oak hardwood floors in great condition.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50
Note from host: Events allowed up to 50 incldng guests for a FEE.
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Wake Forest

Located in Wake Forest, this holiday home is in a rural area. Polar Ice House and Winterpast Farm are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Crabtree Valley Mall and Wake Forest Farmers Market. Travelling with kids? Consider Hill Ridge Farms, or check out an event or a game at Millbrook Tennis Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Wake Forest, NC

What's nearby

  • Country Club at Wakefield Plantation - 6 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary - 9 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Polar Ice House - 10 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Falls Lake State Recreation Area - 16 min drive - 18.1 km
  • Triangle Town Center - 17 min drive - 20.8 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 28 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cook Out - Wake Forest - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Chateau d'Amour - A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Chateau d'Amour - A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Chateau d'Amour - A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest?

Checkout is at 1:00 PM.

Where is Chateau d'Amour - A Storybook Escape in Wake Forest located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Polar Ice House, and Wake Forest Farmers Market. E. Carroll Joyner Park and Wake Forest Historical Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Golf Trip

As usual a great experience for our annual golf tournament. The renovations to the house were great.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Concert rendezvous

3.5 couples coming together for a local concert with a shared house to relax and play cards - super location with great sleeping options for the 7 adults in our party
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay!

We were in town for our sisters wedding and needed a place for a lot of family members to stay together (including 4 kids under 6). The home is absolutely beautiful. It was fully stocked with everything we needed. Beds were so comfortable and everyone slept well! We made a big breakfast for everyone who stayed and had plenty of plates and utensils to accommodate us. The outdoor areas are a dream and the kids enjoyed the play structure! The host was the sweetest and very accommodating!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Seamless, perfect!

This property is absolutely lovely and perfect for families. There are multiple inside and outside places to gather. We hosted a brunch from here which was seamless (flying biscuit was amazing). Our host, Maria was incredibly informative and helpful, the landscaping is gorgeous, the children’s playground gym outside was very popular as was the media room upstairs. The kitchen is perfect for large families and the butler’s pantry (with a walk in pantry closet) leading to the formal dining room was perfect for flow. The ceilings in each and every room are palatial and elegant, there are seating nooks everywhere. The online pictures do not do justice to the beauty and spaciousness of this home. The lighting is exceptional, the decor and furnishings very practical and lovely. Every window had a gorgeous, natural view. The parking was perfect for our wedding brunch. We traveled with our 18month old Granddaughters and babyquip.com/anna514 delivered and set up our cribs, table seats, strollers and toys, then returned after to pick up and was a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend this venue, especially if you are planning a wedding (Pinehill Pavilion was amazing).
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Giorgio G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Chateau d'Amour was an amazing stay! The house was wonderful, the location was just close enough to anything we could want while also feeling fairly secluded, and the owners are fantastic people that my friends and I loved talking to. If this is within your price range, I would highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top notch in every way

Fantastic property all high-end appliances finishing beautifully decorated massive amount of space just as described photographs are accurate host was accommodating and extremely nice left. Several nice touches have stayed here before and will again. You will not be disappointed. Overall, just top notch experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ed & Vicki W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property

The house was excellent for our party of 11. 2 toddlers. House was in excellent condition. Our host responded immediately to our questions. Maria was a fantastic host on all fronts. Paper products were more than ample. Kitchen utensils were numerous and high quality.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding party

I would definitely recommend this home. Myself and the groomsmen for son’s wedding stayed here for two nights. Absolutely perfect!! Hostess was exceptional!!very kind and thoughtful! Great location! The guys loved back yard! Played corn hole and had a fire in fire pit. Also loved the gas space heaters on back porch. Highly recommend !
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

This was one of the best experiences I have had renting a property. The owners stopped by to introduce themselves. Provided quality directions to area needs. The house was super clean and well taken care of with plenty of space. This experience was a 10/10.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent graduation stay

We were in NC for our son’s graduation from Duke. There were 11 of us and the house was perfect! Beautiful home and super clean. So many fun times on the wrap around porch sipping coffee in the morning, card games around the dining room table, and listening to my son’s girlfriend play the piano. Enough beds for us all and the kitchen was huge and allowed us to eat most meals at the house. The owner was excellent to work with and communication was impeccable from start to finish. Super prompt with all inquiries and fixed any issue within minutes. She left scrumptious pastries for our arrival which was so appreciated and unexpected. Could not recommend this place more if you have a large party in the Durham/Raleigh/Wake Forest area!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

S P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great memories

It was unforgettable. Everyone loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dyan P., Raleigh, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

REMARKABLE

The property is gorgeous and well-kept. Communication with Judith was professional and very welcoming. We celebrated our 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and the setting was awesome. We enjoyed it so much that we will be renting again!!!! Thanks to Judith for being the perfect host!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beezer

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Perfect North Carolina Retreat

My family and I had a very specific need for a rental home in North Carolina the week of Sept. 27th ~ Oct. 3rd. It was our daughters wedding celebration weekend. We needed a home that could comfortably fit 10-12 people and host a small gathering of about 20-25 guests. We 100% picked the correct home. There is ample space indoor and outdoors so you will not feel cramped up. Plus you also have the garage space as an entertainment area to use with a pool table and a ping pong table. The Chateau D’amour was breathtaking in person and far exceeded our expectations. Not only was the property the perfect venue but the owners were just as good. We booked their home 3 months or so in advance with adding a few changes along the way. Never did I have to wait for a response from them. I also kept in direct communication with them throughout the stay to work through any questions we had. Again, they were quick to respond. It is very comforting to a renter to know the property owner is available at a moments notice to help correct any potential issues. If we had any need for this space in the future we wouldn’t hesitate to use it again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eleana H., Wilton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous House and Host

Thank you so much for the wonderful stay in your beautiful home. My family and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Look forward to visiting the home again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

dannielle j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfort

Chateau d'Amour Was an amazing spot to have my 40th birthday gathering. Host was top tier friendly and inviting. I could not ask for more. Everything I needed and wanted was already at the property. If you are thinking of staying at this property don’t think twice. Truly a wonderfully experience.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such an amazing stay!

It was a great property for all of my family from out of town. We absolutely loved the space and how beautiful the home was! It was even better than the pictures.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barb P., Advance, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

The house was so beautiful. Had to meet the owner for check in she was very polite. Communication wIth owner was easy and prompt.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

gregory p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Perfect....

Wonderful property and host. A true modern Luxury Victorian Home. We greatly enjoyed the stay... truly five star!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Better than advertised

The house and grounds are stunning. The host checked to make sure our stay was comfortable and smooth. Everyone enjoyed themselves. The house could be in Better Hones and garden
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

diane D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home

This beautiful home met all of our needs. It was spacious and comfortable with plenty of beds and baths to accommodate everyone in our party plus some, has a wonderful wrap around porch for morning coffee, reading or just relaxing and a lovely yard. The host was communicative, easily accessible and addressed all of our needs. I highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alyson H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular home!

Beautiful, exquisite home. Property owners were welcoming and left fruit, water, etc. We celebrated our daughter’s college graduation and would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Babita V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fabulous Thanksgiving week!

We stayed at Villa Banika for the Thanksgiving week. We were 3 families with 6 adults and 4 kids below 10yrs. During COVID times, it was such a relief to have a beautiful place, withe everything you need. A lot of space, beautiful front yard and backyard, a small playground that kept my kids occupied, fully equipped kitchen, entertainment, pool table, pretty much everything was taken care of. The owner was extremely helpful and very quick to respond. We mostly stayed at the property, cooked lots of meals and spent time with each other. This property was a perfect choice! We hope to return again!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sue L., Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful luxury home

Our family was so fortunate to find this beautiful property and gracious owner for our daughters wedding. It was more than everything we had hoped. Great location and plenty of space for all!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Grace S., Windermere, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Time

We were in Raleigh for my son’s wedding and wanted a home to stay where we could visit with family and all stay together. Villla Banika was better than I could have even imagined! Starting with the beautiful landscaping and wrap around porch, to the huge yard, we knew it would be a great place for our family. We stepped inside to a beautiful and welcoming home with fresh fruit and fresh cut flowers throughout the home. The home was spacious and gave us plenty of room to sit and visit and play create treasured memories!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Cameron P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Quick Stay

Stayed 2 nights and stay was great. Beautiful property and was perfect for our big family.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

About the host

Hosted by Judith de la Cruz

Host profile image
A Home Built from Love and Memories

Having a big, close-knit family inspired me to build this home — a place where laughter echoes, and there’s always room to gather and belong.

People often ask why I share my home. I say, why not? I grew up sleeping on straw mats, eight siblings sharing one toilet, no bedroom of my own. I learned early that joy grows best when shared. Today, I open my doors with gratitude, remembering what it’s like to have just the basics and still feel rich in love.

For nearly three decades, I’ve helped others find homes as a real estate agent, while nurturing my own family of 31. I love dancing under the moonlight, breathing in the scent of roses, gardenias, camias, and herbs in my garden. As children, we could only play outside on full-moon nights — perhaps that’s why I still hold those nights sacred.

You’ll notice my love for nature everywhere — the living plants in every corner, the young fruit trees in the backyard. Gardening centers me; it’s my quiet prayer to the earth.

Music fills this home too. I was a teenager in the ’80s, and my heart still beats to its rhythm. I can only play one piece — Vera’s Theme — by ear. The Yamaha baby grand once played itself, but even without its gadget, it still sings beautifully to those who can.

Travel is another passion. Paris calls to me endlessly — its food, art, language, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and the River Seine awaken my romantic spirit. It’s also dear to me because Médecins Sans Frontières, a French organization, was the last to leave my hometown of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, after Typhoon Haiyan’s devastation.

My husband and I moved into the 1,600 additional dwelling unit. You’ll have the main house all to yourself — peaceful, private, and filled with warmth. Unless you need us, you’ll be left to simply enjoy and make it your own.

This home carries stories of family, gratitude, and joy — and if you stay here, I hope you feel that love woven into every corner.

Why they chose this property

I chose this place to be far from the crowd — a quiet haven where my big family could gather freely, laugh loudly, and live without fences between our hearts and the open sky. For a while, it was just us and the whisper of trees, the songs of birds at dawn, and the comfort of solitude.

Then, little by little, progress found its way here. Homes began to rise behind and beside us — elegant, custom-built, each one carrying its own story. The wide horizon I once claimed for myself is now shared with others.

Sometimes, I miss the stillness, the privacy that once wrapped this place like a soft blanket. But when I step outside and see the graceful silhouettes of these new homes, I am reminded that growth is also a kind of blessing — a sign that beauty attracts more beauty, and that life never stands still for long.

What makes this property unique

This home is a modern Victorian — a rare gem in an age where sleek lines and minimalist facades have taken over. It stands as a love letter to timeless beauty, where old-world charm meets modern grace.

The wraparound porch embraces the house like open arms, inviting laughter, quiet conversations, and morning coffee with the sound of birds. The turret rises proudly, like a watchful guardian from another era, while the rotunda glows softly at dusk — a gentle reminder that elegance never goes out of style.

Every arch, every curve tells a story of craftsmanship and heart — of an age when homes were built not just to shelter, but to inspire. Amid a sea of modern and craftsman designs, this Victorian stands tall and poetic — a dream made tangible, where nostalgia dances with the present.

Languages:

English

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