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The design of Laurel Court was entrusted to James Gamble Rogers, a talented architect and the nephew of Thompson’s wife, Laura Gamble Thompson. Rogers drew inspiration from the Grand Trianon at Versailles, France—an emblem of European elegance. The result was a residence that melded sophisticated European architectural elements with the comforts needed for American life.
Spanning approximately 20,000 square feet and featuring 36 rooms, Laurel Court stands as a quintessential example of the Beaux-Arts style. The estate is complemented by expansive gardens and auxiliary buildings, emphasizing the opulence and meticulous attention to detail characteristic of the period.