Nestled temptingly close to a busy public park, the once-majestic Château Edmond de Rothschild now stands in decay, its walls covered in graffiti. This grand mansion, built between 1855 and 1861, was the crowning jewel of a vast French estate owned by banker James de Rothschild.
Built in the luxurious Louis XIV style, the château was originally surrounded by famous classical and exotic gardens. However, World War II took its toll on the villa, which was looted by Nazis and later damaged by American troops during maneuvers in 1945. Over time, the Rothschild family abandoned the property, and it fell into disrepair.
In 1979, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, James’s son, sold the estate to the mayor of Boulogne for a symbolic franc, marking the end of an era for this historic residence. Today, the château stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory, quietly calling out to those who pass by in the nearby park.
Shortly after its symbolic sale, the Château Edmond de Rothschild was sold again, this time for several million francs to Saudi Sheik Khalid Abdulaziz Al Ibrahim. The construction of a main road and hospital soon followed, significantly shrinking the estate’s once-legendary gardens.
Today, the former estate grounds have been transformed into a charming public park. Though beautiful, the park is just a shadow of the estate’s former glory. Visitors can find the château tucked away among the trees at the far end, hidden behind fences. The decaying mansion, with its partially collapsed roof and graffiti-covered walls, is off-limits to the public for safety reasons.
Despite these restrictions, the château remains a hauntingly beautiful sight. An active community of urban explorers continues to find ways to approach and explore the château, undeterred by the risks of trespassing. For those daring enough, the château offers a glimpse into a bygone era, filled with both beauty and decay.
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