Possible Clues:

• The French in grand steps for royalty
• Splendid residences friend serves well
• Dwellings head of aristocracy might be seen in?
• They're grand for Father in his shoes here
• Around middle of board puts kings and queens here?
• Fancy homes
• Grand homes one's friend got first
• Hardly humble homes
• Versailles and others
• Old man does up grand buildings