In late 2007, a five by seven foot section of weakened plaster fell from the 3^rd floor ceiling of the main staircase at Chateau-sur-Mer and broke into fragments, narrowly missing recently-restored light fixtures, a chair and suit of armor on the landing between the second and third floors.  The collapsed ceiling included an extension of the Tree of Life that is painted on the backside of the staircase—a free-hand painted lattice interlaced with foliage and the occasional bird and butterfly.  The ceiling painting dates to the 1870s renovation of the house by architect Richard Morris Hunt.

It was likely a combination of factors that caused the ceiling to fall, including cracking due to the building settling and years of water leakage.

Broken fragments were carefully collected so that conservation staff members can try to re-assemble the pieces to identify the pattern.  After appropriate study, a proper treatment will be identified, including re-plastering the area and correctly compensating for the lost decorative paint, or possibly even replacing the broken fragments, if that appears feasible.

A substantial scaffolding has been built to allow access to the ceiling for further study and treatment, and to support the remaining ceiling areas to prevent further loss.  Carpenters have also opened the flooring above the damaged ceiling to allow access for study and repair.