Every once in a while, one comes across a hidden space in Las Vegas—away from the towering casinos on the Strip. Such is the case with the Parisian Palace, a 14,000-square-foot French castle. Located on Palmyra Avenue off Jones Boulevard, the mansion speaks to the history and opulence of another continent and era. Owner entrepreneur/restaurateur/designer Nico Santucci (who also owns Capo’s restaurants on Tropicana and Sahara Avenues) completely redesigned and remodeled the property when he bought it in 2004—and again in recent months to give it what he calls a “rock star” feel. The latest changes added music memorabilia, authentic gold records, countless electric guitars, a stage and lighting in the mansion’s nightclub, and a custom-built chopper motorcycle.
With its Versace furniture and accoutrements, hand-painted ceiling murals, paintings on the mirrors done with 24-karat gold, and 13 imported chandeliers, the palace’s interior is a microcosm of post-war France, and also reflects the eclecticism that Santucci is known for. Ultimately, the designer added 5,000 square feet to the existing property, including a professional bowling alley.
The property's total capacity is 600—and it has hosted two events at once, one inside the mansion and one on the grounds. There are eight bedrooms available for booking by event staff or guests.
From the outside, the estate’s twin copper towers rise behind massive black-and-gold cast iron gates. The front gardens are enhanced by a Buckingham fountain and statues. The entrance to the Parisian Palace is a five-foot-wide, 650-pound door that leads to a coat of arms imported from Italy. The piece weighs 1,200 pounds and had to be installed by crane. The entry is divided by a five-foot-wide marble staircase, covered with 10,000 red silk roses, and an overhead walkway. A 600-pound crystal chandelier hangs overhead.
There are 21 rooms, including eight bedrooms and nine baths, in the Parisian Palace, as well as seven hand-carved cherry wood fireplaces. There are also two theater rooms housing screens and projection equipment and a second nightclub in the huge pool area.
Painter Thomas Bisesti did the original hand painting on the ceiling; it took him five years and 10,000 man hours, many of them on his back. When Santucci bought the estate, he commissioned the artist to restore all the existing work as well as to add new art to the additional 5,000 square feet in the north wing.
