While Marie Antoinette had a gaggle of gardeners to prepare the grounds of the Petit Trianon for her elaborate parties, I'm very content to be working away on my own in SL. After all, where else can you get away with wearing an elaborate ballgown while hauling fresh bales of hay!

My latest adventure in decorating coincides with the All Hallows' Costume Dance which is being hosted by the Duché de Coeur & Rocca Sorrentina on October 25th. Having decided that the French Garden Parterre would be an excellent spot for a party, I waded in and got to work clearing the summer gardens to start with a fresh canvas.

Before I knew it, new trees were taking root and autumn leaves were everywhere!

I first glimpsed her in a photo of the hallway of the Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome 2015 . I thought she was stunning. Imagine having a home where she is one of the first things you see coming through the door.

Unlikely to happen for me in real life but more than feasible in Second Life!

Great Balls of Fire!! It started out as another beautiful day at the Petit Trianon; sun shining, birds singing, absolutely perfect for the All Hallows' Costume Dance.

The guests started to arrive; some on broomsticks, others just appearing out of nowhere. This being Second Life their chosen means of transportation didn't raise much of fuss (well except maybe for that HUGE spider that scurried in ... not sure where that creature was hiding her invitation and I certainly wasn't about to approach her to ask!). The costumes were fabulous ...

Rocca Sorrentina is one of those wonderful Second Life estates that always has something splendid going on. Seeing as they are my southern neighbours I'm rather spoiled with views of their shores & news of their activities.

When I heard they were hosting the To Bee or Not to Bee Hunt I thought it was the perfect opportunity to snoop er ... explore some of the less traveled routes through their fair land so I put on my best exploration outfit and set off on a summer adventure.

A helpful hint card gave me clues as to the whereabouts of the twelve hidden bees and warned me that my prey was going to be rather small, as bees tend to be. Just as well as I really didn't fancy running for my life from an over sized bumble! You just never know in Second life.

It took just over two years to construct the Eiffel Tower (January 28, 1887 to March 15, 1889). Given that the conception, planning, politics & design commenced around 1884, this cultural icon in the making was actually a "work in progress" for at least five years.

I'd like to think that Gustave Eiffel enjoyed at least part of this journey.

New horses & touring carriages have arrived in the Duch de Coeur and Skye & I couldn't be happier to have this popular mode of travel back up & running through our estates!

It was a snowy winter morning back in December when we made the shocking discovery.

Though I've had abundant experience with real-life home renovations , my Second Life renovation record is rather spotty. When it comes to virtual homes I'd generally rather build them myself than buy them, especially because I know I just can't stop myself from remodeling my new purchase.

It was the same way back in my days of TheSims2. I'd download a brand-new abode and spend the next week (or two or three) ripping it apart and putting it back together. On the bright side, that destruction/construction cycle taught me a lot about architecture & 3D construction. I'd actually recommend it to anyone interested in honing their own skills.

This year with spring just around the corner, I was anxious to add a few new rentals to my Duch de Coeur regions. Being long on ambition but short on time, I decided that a purchase was in order and after much consideration selected a chateau from Never Totally Dead .

As you can see, the exterior fits right in with the 18th century Duch and the layout, with its generous rooms and considered traffic flow, is wonderful. This chateau just oozes charm & atmosphere!

Perhaps a little too much atmosphere inside for my lighter tastes.

For one thing, there is a story about the original owner falling on hard times and struggling to maintain the house. For another, you can expect a certain spooky vibe from a company called Never Totally Dead and they more than deliver.

I've been up to the attic twice now. Once when I was checking the house out and again for this photo. I don't think I'll be climbing those twisty stairs again anytime soon. Skye & I still aren't really sure what's in the room behind the locked door

Which reminds me; on posting my first "Before" picture I received a number of comments identifying the house and recommending an exorcist might be brought in along with the painters & plasterers!

Thankful for all the great advice & support given from my friends at Royal Courts of Second Life , I rolled up my sleeves and got down to work.

One salon, one kitchen, one foyer (with grand staircase), two bathrooms, three bedrooms (including the master) and two studies later, I'm quite happy with the results! It was a lot of fun being able to use my favourite textures in a new setting.

I did leave the attic "as is" thinking it can be used for servants and/or relatives that have fallen out of favour but insist on coming to visit anyway.

Chateau Claire is now up for rent but you are welcome to visit until it becomes a private residence. Just check the rental sign at the front gate to make sure it's still available for a tour.

Please report back on your adventures there!

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Images: Tatiana Dokuchic (click to enlarge)

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Originally published on Tatiana's Tea Room as My Chateau Reno

Marie Antoinette's Salon Dor one of the four main rooms of her Petits Appartements in Versailles.

These small rooms with their concealed doors escaped the surveillance of spies and favoured love affairs and intrigues. To step through the looking-glass, just as Marie Antoinette used to do, is an extraordinary experience. The four main rooms, the Mridienne, the two libraries, the Salon Dor, their boudoirs and their bathrooms provide a perfect image of eighteenth-century France as we imagine it today.