Versailles and a bit of Gothic Europe have come to Colleyville in Michael and Andrea Vennemeyer's home. Furnished in a combination of French antiques, reproductions and Impressionist-inspired art, this estate in miniature would be very much at home in the French Countryside.
A huge two-story foyer sets the stage for the things the couple love and provides the center of the "H" shaped home. A second floor gallery displays some of the couple's larger paintings. From this area, a covered loggia spreads across the back and overlooks the yard where dramatic arches of water pour into the rectangular pool. Fountains, topiaries and formal structures adorn the gardens.
One of five fireplaces, the family room fireplace features huge beams hand-carved by a well-known wood craftsman. This room includes lavish puddled window treatments inspired by photos from Barbra Streisand's home. Ornately fringed pillows, custom designed by Michael, are positioned beautifully on French gilded chairs.
Although the Vennemeyers are busy physicians, the couple did most of the home's selections on their own. As a plastic surgeon, Michael has an impeccable eye for detail not only in the operating room, but also when it comes to design in their home. He claims they knew the house would be theirs when they saw a delicately painted cabinet in a master lavatory with the initials "AH," the initial of his wife's maiden name. Michael favors Baroque and Rococo antique reproductions but has added art representative of many periods. For example, while the library is furnished with the formal gilded chairs, the wall opposite bursts with paintings of ballerinas and colorful gardens suggestive of Monet and his contemporaries.
Valeria Babb and Donna Trigg of "Every Day is a Holiday" have chosen to decorate for the holidays with three magnificent trees, matching floral arrangements, and large splashes of Christmas décor, most of which will be available for sale after the tour. For ten years, these women have created amazing holiday creations for their clients, combining owners" items and new materials. They will incorporate a collection of Santas that Michael's mother has given them over the years and make this a home not to be missed.
