The Most Expensive House in the World Could Soon Be This French Château

Katherine McLaughlin
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Photo: Hemis/Alamy Stock Photo

A historic château on the outskirts of Paris is poised to become the most expensive house in the world should it sell for its $452 million asking price, reports Mansion Global. Known as Château d’Armainvilliers, the home previously belonged to the Rothschild family, England’s illustrious banking dynasty, as well as King Hassan II of Morocco and is currently available off-market via Whisper Auctions.

The residence will likely sell quietly.
The residence will likely sell quietly.
Photo: Courtesy of Whisper Auctions

According to a post on the Rothschild family archive, the residence dates to the 12th century as an ancient stronghold, but was partially destroyed in the French Revolution. It was restored under the Second Empire and purchased in 1877 by Edmond de Rothschild, who replaced the castle with a chateau. “Between 1881 and 1938 numerous additions were made to it, the chief architects involved being Félix Langlais and Emile Ulmann,” the archive post explains. “The resulting low pavilion with its steeply-pitched roofs and timbering in the upper stories, bears some resemblance to the English cottage style found in Devey’s Ascott.”

The Moroccan influence is still seen throughout the home.
The Moroccan influence is still seen throughout the home.
Photo: Courtesy of Whisper Auctions

By the beginning of the 20th century, the estate had grown to 3,961 hectares. According to Mansion Global, the property spans 100 rooms across three floors and includes three elevators, 17 themed bedroom suites, and five salons. Amenities in the compound include stables for 50 horses, a beauty parlor, hammam, and housing for staff members. After Edmond’s death, the home was passed down to various members of the Rothschild family before Edmond’s grandson sold it to the King of Morocco in the 1980s. In 2008, “The property was purchased by an owner from the Middle East but has never been utilized,” Ignace Meuwissen, cofounder of Whisper Auctions who is handling the sale, told Mansion Global.

A bedroom in the large estate
A bedroom in the large estate
Photo: Courtesy of Whisper Auctions

Another French residence, Château Louis XIV, is currently believed to be the most expensive house in the world. It last sold in 2015 for just under $250 million, but if Château d’Armainvilliers goes for anywhere near its reported asking price, it will easily claim the crown. Meuwissen told Mansion Global that the home will likely change hands behind closed doors. “Most properties we sell are on a whispering basis; the properties change owners mostly confidentiality,” he said. And there’s already interest from potential buyers. “One from East Europe, three from Asia, and one from Mongolia,” Meuwisse said.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

More Great Stories From AD