Château Armainvilliers, a Norman-style castle just 30 miles from Paris.
Photo: Whisper Auctions
Stunning French Château Once Owned by the Rothschilds Lists for $458 Million
Currently the world’s most expensive property, Château Armainvilliers is located 30 miles outside of Paris and sits on more than 2,500 acres
The sprawling estate encompasses some 2,500 acres in the French countryside. Photo: Whisper Auctions
It only makes sense that the world’s priciest home is an opulent château in the picturesque French countryside. Situated approximately 30 miles outside Paris, the property, called Château Armainvilliers, can be yours for a cool $458 million, or €425 Million.
The castle was a medieval stronghold dating back to the 12th century and was partially destroyed during the French Revolution, according to The Rothschild Archive. It was formerly owned by the Rochefoucauld Doudeauville family and then three members of the Rothschild family until they sold it to the King of Morocco in the 1980s. It last traded hands in 2008 after the king’s death, when the son who inherited the property sold it for €200 million to a Middle East–based buyer, who never utilized the property.
During the family’s ownership, they made significant renovations and purchased more surrounding acreage. Now it’s being auctioned via Whisper Auctions, an auction house that specializes in off-market luxury real estate transactions, and the sale will be handled by Ignace Meuwissen, a luxury real estate advisor and co-founder of Whisper.
The magnificent 26,900-square-foot château sits on 2,500 acres and has 100 rooms spread over three floors. Photo: Whisper Auctions
The magnificent 26,900-square-foot château sits on 2,500 acres and has 100 rooms spread over three floors. There are an incredible 17 themed bedrooms, five massive living spaces, and a kitchen. Many of the living spaces are decorated with Marrakech-style interiors, added by the late King Hassan II. The palatial residence also has steeply pitched roofs and timber framing on the top floors reminiscent of an English-style cottage.
The sprawling home has a bevy of top-of-the-line amenities, among them a hair salon, a hammam, a private car park, stables for up to 50 horses, separate staff housing, and 36 buildings spread throughout the park-like grounds. The massive living spaces feature old-world details, including coffered ceilings, crown moldings, and both French- and Moroccan-inspired ornamental details.
The palatial residence boasts an incredible 17 themed bedrooms. Photo: Whisper Auctions
Many of the living spaces are decorated with Marrakech-style interiors, added by the late King Hassan II. Photo: Whisper Auctions
Despite the jaw-dropping price, sheer size of the castle, and intricate design details, Meuwissen said that much of the interest is coming from developers who are interested in constructing a new city or community on the 2,500 acres of land in the form of commercial centers, apartments, and other amenities. The land includes rolling hills, a 150-foot-wide lake, sequoias, and native plantings.
Just a short drive from Paris, the estate benefits from being in close proximity to the city’s shopping, dining, and entertaining, giving the future owner the ability to easily retreat to the lush countryside. The opportunities are endless.
Cover: Château Armainvilliers, a Norman-style castle just 30 miles from Paris.
Photo: Whisper Auctions
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