Bringing the Grandeur of Versailles to Alabang
The 1.2-HECTARE complex of the Versailles Palace clubhouse features a multilevel veranda that offers several vantage points to enjoy the swimming pools with interconnecting waterways and cascading waterfalls, a gazebo, cabanas, and pocket gardens.
The 1.2-hectare clubhouse complex of Versailles Palace features a multi-level veranda that offers various vantage points overlooking its swimming pools, complete with interconnecting waterways, cascading waterfalls, gazebos, cabanas, and pocket gardens.
Five years after his first visit to the Palace and Park of Versailles in France, State Properties Corp. president Allen Roxas envisioned recreating the grandeur of the 815-hectare World Heritage site within a 75-hectare property he had acquired in Muntinlupa City over three decades earlier.
Roxas shared that he noticed striking similarities between the two locations. “The estate in France was not built overnight—it took nearly 50 years to transform a simple hunting lodge set on marshy land southwest of Paris into a symbol of regal elegance. Similarly, when I acquired the land for Versailles in Alabang in the early 1980s, the area was mostly undeveloped, covered with tall grasses and thorny shrubs,” he said.
Recognized as one of the country’s most accomplished businessmen over the past four decades, Roxas began his journey as a working student before rising to become chairman of an investment firm, State Investment Trust Inc. In addition to serving as president of State Properties Corp., he is also the managing director of Consolidated Mines Inc. and the honorary chairman of Chiang Kai Shek College.
Put to Good Use
Regarded as an elder statesman of the banking world, Roxas is executive senior adviser of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as president of the Downtown Bankers Association. He still had to put to good use his skills and experience as well as get help from other experts in order to realize his dream of having a high-end community.
“I wanted something that would pay tribute to the most spectacular symbol of the French monarchial power, if not a monument to the artistry of humanity,” Roxas said as he partnered with the world-renowned architectural design and planning firm Palafox Associates, which master-planned Versailles, designed not just the house models but the interiors as well; Rolando Mercado Design Associates who did the house design; and Jurong Singapore who served as a design consultant.
Today, Versailles in Alabang is fast transforming into an exclusive residential haven worthy of its namesake in France. From Daang Hari Road, one could already see the property’s sprawling 3,000-square-meter grand entrance way that features imposing Roman pillars and dancing fountain, reminiscent of the ones in France.
VERSAILLES offers 11 model homes that match the grandeur that the property evokes.
Versailles Clubhouse
Inside, it boasts a 1.2-hectare complex bannered by the Versailles Palace clubhouse, a cavernous central gallery that would remind one of the Hall of Mirrors. This clubhouse has a multileveled veranda that gives one several vantage points to enjoy the swimming pools with interconnecting waterways and cascading waterfalls, gazebo, cabanas, and pocket gardens.
“The complex is so picturesque that it was twice chosen as the venue of the Miss Earth International coronation night in 2012 and 2013,” Roxas shared.
Even the houses that will be built, as evidenced by the 11 model homes already completed at the site, are meant to match the grandeur that the property evokes. Roxas said: “Our luxury high-end homes have a distinctive timeless look many homeowners will love, Roxas said. Since Versailles is very special to me, I tapped the best talents,” he added.
Strong Again
Roxas shared that he saw the real estate market regaining strength in recent years, making it an ideal time to invest in a luxury home.
He pointed out that the country’s population continues to grow by about 2 percent annually, and as household incomes improve, more people are expected to seek homes in prime locations.
According to him, Alabang stands out as one of the most accessible areas for premium properties. He emphasized that it is among the country’s most progressive districts, having experienced significant growth with high-end residential communities, business hubs, and industrial developments. He also highlighted its advantages, noting that the area is flood-free, has clean air, and is conveniently located just minutes away from major commercial centers.