In the early 20th century, the estate had grown to a massive 3,961 hectares. The property, which spans 100 rooms across three floors, 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 being sold to the King of Morocco in the 1980s.
In recent years, “The property was purchased by an owner from the Middle East but has never been utilized,” Ignace Meuwissen of Whisper Auctions told Mansion Global. If Château d’Armainvilliers goes for anywhere near its reported asking price of $247 million, it will easily claim its place as the most expensive house in the world. Meuwissen said that the home will likely change hands behind closed doors due to its confidential nature.
“Most properties we sell are on a whispering basis; the properties change owners mostly confidentiality,” Meuwissen said. There is already interest from potential buyers including one from East Europe, three from Asia, and one from Mongolia.