Home of the Week: A $12 million luxury chateau outside Philadelphia - live in your own Versailles.

Because of its famous staircase terraces, fantastic towers, and manicured gardens, this grand mansion gives the impression of being straight out of the French countryside. However, this $12 million dollar chateau-style mansion is located on Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line in the historic town of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.

This is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States, and there are plenty of impressive properties here, but this palatial mansion is in a separate category. The newly listed property sits on 7.25 acres, and the home itself is a whopping 29,070 square feet with seven bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and seven floorplans.

Impressive gates lead to a long sunken road with extensive lawns on either side. The driveway leads to a courtyard with an elegant fountain in the center. Every detail of the house has been impeccably created, including brick and stone facades, limestone terraces and arches, and many towers and chimneys.

The house was designed by renowned architect F.L. Bissinger, who worked with the owners to create a unique home inspired by French castles, and especially the Palace of Versailles. For grand events, there is a lavish two-story ballroom with grooved pilasters, huge windows and carved double staircases adorned with cheetah-style carpeting.

Behind the ballroom are a living room with a marble fireplace imported from Spain and a grand piano room with French doors leading to a spacious terrace. Almost every room is decorated with dazzling crystal chandeliers and gold moldings.

"The home was purpose-built over a four-year period beginning in 2003 and completed in 2007," says sales agent Lisa Ciccotelli of BHHS Fox and Roach Realtors. "The owners were fascinated and inspired by the Palace of Versailles and worked closely with renowned architect F.L. Bissinger and Malvern Development Group to bring their incredible vision to life."

Every bedroom has something special, but the most impressive is the master bedroom. High ceilings, Venetian plaster walls and a luxurious bed make this room wonderful. The golden bathroom with stone floors and sinks adds to the charm of the master bedroom.

The tri-level home also features a newly renovated marble kitchen with energy efficient appliances, arched windows, large island and dining area.

In addition to its authentic architectural finishes, the home is equipped with the latest smart home technology and a range of amenities comparable to five-star resorts. These include an Italian wine cellar upholstered in mirrors, an indoor swimming pool, a massage room with two tables, a two-lane bowling alley, a nine-car garage, a gym, a luxury movie theater and a salon and hair salon.

There's also a three-story elevator and a separate guest wing on the first floor. "There is nothing that makes this chateau so incredible," says Ciccotelli. "It's all the custom details, masterful features, finishes, carefully selected materials and cutting-edge technology that create the exquisite splendor of this estate. From the carved double staircases imported from Bath, England, the Venetian plasterwork, the marble fireplace imported from Spain, the arches, grooved corridors, louvered pilasters and velvet walls studded with Swarovski crystals in the movie theater, there is not a detail that has been neglected here."

Outside, there is a large infinity edge pool, a Bellagio-style fountain with music and lights, a tennis court with basketball hoops, a portico with fireplace and outdoor kitchen for outdoor relaxation and entertaining, and French rose gardens. And for those who like to invite guests (or have staff they'd like to have reside on the property), there are three carriage houses with adjoining living quarters.

"I can honestly say that there is nothing like this exquisite estate in this region - or probably the entire country -" she says. "The home is built on a grand scale, where the architecture and surroundings of the home are as impressive as the luxurious interiors."

PresshereSee more photos of 841 Merion Square Road.

View from the terrace. Exterior view from the terrace. Exterior view from the terrace. Exterior view from the terrace.