![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() A rumor existed that the fire was caused by an aggrieved Russian lady, but even if true, his popularity among the locals was evident when they rushed to the aid of their benefactor and rescued almost the entirety of his invaluable art collection, books, tapestries, statues, furniture, linen, silver, gold etc. Bonaparte returned just in time to see the roof cave in. In January, 1820, a fire left burning in a guest bedroom caught light and burned the chateau down. The woods were predominantly made up of oak, chestnut and pine, through which were found tame deer, English pheasants and woodcock. To the delight of the locals, every Sunday he opened the park for them to enjoy.īonaparte shared a passion for gardening with Stephen Girard (1750-1831) with whom he became great friends and, the exotic specimens then found at Point Breeze were said to be as equally diverse as those at Monticello. They were explored by 12-miles of winding drives and bridleways that passed numerous Greek and Roman statues, all the way interspersed with, "rustic cots or rain shelters, bowers and seats, sheltered springs and solitary retreats". The 240-acres of parkland that he landscaped here were closely reminiscent of those at Mortefontaine, and were also said to have taken inspiration the gardens at Spanish royal palace in Madrid - El Escorial. European swans added to the scene, and in the summer a scattering of swan-shaped pleasure boats floated idly among them. By damming Crosswicks Creek, he had flooded the land beneath the chateau and created the lake, roughly 500-yards long by 200 wide, at a Vanderbilt-worthy cost of $300,000! The water was studded with small islands planted (often by Bonaparte himself) with rare and exotic shrubs and trees. The approach to his new chateau took the visitor over a lake by way of an arched stone bridge. Joseph demolished the existing house and built a new one (the first of two) which bore a distinct resemblance to the Château de Mortefontaine - his home from 1798 to 1814, north of Paris. Something was said about sending for other hands, but he said no - everybody worked in this country." A king he may have been, and his life here certainly bordered on the regal, but he never lost the common touch: When he arrived to take possession of his new home, Sayre, "was called out from dinner, and found him busily engaged, with his own hands, unloading the furniture he had brought. But, it was neither large nor grand enough for the former king who increased the estate to 1,800-acres. Sayre's house was dramatically positioned on a high bluff that extended into the Delaware River - aptly named by him, "Point Breeze". In 1902, Bonaparte's grand-niece recalled, "I have seen many beautiful estates in Europe, I have seen nothing on this side of the Atlantic that compares to Point Breeze". This chateau - literally fit for a king - was unceremoniously demolished by a "fervant francophobe" and replaced by a distinctly inferior villa. Its beautifully landscaped gardens featured a purpose-built lake, bridge, and belvedere while also concealing a warren of underground tunnels. Its library contained the largest collection of books in the country and its art collection was almost certainly the most valuable. On completion, it was - perhaps diplomatically - regarded as the “second-finest house in America,” after the White House. This French-built chateau modelled after the Château de Prangins where Joseph had hoped to retire was a true representation of so many of those replicated during the Gilded Age. We can't think of a better way to incapsulate our company.Built in 1820, for Joseph-Napoléon Bonaparte (1768-1844), the former King of Spain etc., and brother of Emperor Napoleon I. The moon in our logo represents what we believe to be full of magic, surprises and awe. PointBreezeway is a concept, a form of love and hospitality, a way to bring people together, a home wherever we are with you.no matter where! It's not a physical location but a feeling, you know? We've come to the conclusion that PointBreezeway would be nothing without the way we decided to share it with everyone. OUR FRESH BUSINESs MODEL AS "INEFFABLE EVENTS BY PointBreezeway" carries that exact same approach and we're so excited to start out new journey! PointBreezeway's vibe has always been about unforgettable hospitality, coziness, charm, and the most memorable EXPERIENCES. You likely recognize the NAME "PointBreezeway" as an event space on a corner of Reynolds Street in Point Breeze but.we've MOVED and our new home-base is in the amazing Ineffable Ca Phe in Lawrenceville! ![]()
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