When your house has a name—a fancy French-sounding name—you (or at least it) must be very important.

Situated on 1.25 acres of land in tony Atherton is Chez Ami, an elegant Normandy-style estate that you could call home for a mere 18 million bucks.

Beyond a stately brick wall with iron gates and climbing ivy is a four-level 1928 abode, rebuilt and expanded but maintaining all the beauty of the original architecture.

As you traverse the stone pathway up to the house past the trickling fountain, there's no mistaking the grandeur it exudes. The place is brimming with charm and each room has its own identity. The formal dining room has double French doors that open up to the garden. The chef's kitchen is swathed in marble with crystal pendant lights dangling over a massive colonial-style island. The living room has a dramatic stone fireplace across from a sweeping turret window that looks onto the pool and lawn. Even the master bedroom's giant walk-in closet (large enough to have a formal sitting area) has gorgeous views in addition to wood paneled walls and ceilings.

For the worker bee, there's an office with a built-in corner desk and cabinets—the home workspace also opens up to the gardens, of course. When you're ready for some down time, head over to your cozy theater to watch a movie, take a dip in the pool, or relax in your soaking tub in the master bath.

No details are overlooked: The interiors hold high vaulted ceilings, arched doorways with glass frames, intricate fireplaces, and thoughtful design elements such as patterned brick and marble flooring in the backyard.

In addition to the main home there's a guest house and separate pool house surrounded by cobblestone walkways, stunning gardens, and sweeping lawns. The grounds are speckled with sitting areas when you want to take a breather from the majestic splendor of the rest of your sparkling manse. Sit back and take in the lush landscape and sculptured greenery.

  

Location: 197 Oak Grove Ave. (Atherton)

Size: 8,491 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 6.5

Asking price: $17,500,000

// For more information, visit apr.com.