Chateau de Chenonceau

Built from 1513, by Thomas Bohier (1460-1524), Chamberlain to King Charles VII, and his wife, Katherine Briçonnet (1494-1526), who was particularly influential in its design and supervised its construction from 1513 to 1521. The initials TBK (Thomas Bohier and Katherine) can still be seen carved into the main door with the motto: "S'il vient à point, me souviendra" (If I manage to build Chenonceau, I will be remembered). The original part of the château completed under Katherine's supervision is known as the "Château des Dames" as it was extended by two later chatelaines, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. The bridge was built in 1559 and the gallery added on top in 1570. Aside from the sprawling Royal Palace of Versailles, Chenonceau is the most visited chateau in France, attracting roughly 800,000 visitors a year. In America it has influenced several mansions, including Seaview Terrace and the Hecker Mansion.