King of Morocco’s Former French Castle Listed for Record $460 Million

An opportunity for those wishing to live in a Moroccan palace. The former castle of the King of Morocco - a 100-room residence completely transformed into a Moroccan palace - is for sale in the commune of Gretz-Armainvilliers, in Seine-et-Marne for 425 million euros, reports Paris Match. "It is the most expensive castle in France and perhaps in the world. The price of 425 million euros is justified by the property itself but also by the 1,000 hectares of land which offer many possibilities. An investor could build thousands of apartments there if he wished," explains Ignace Meuwissen, the real estate agent in charge of the sale.

This Anglo-Norman style manor was built in 1884 by the Rothschild family in place of the old 17th century building, on an area of 1000 hectares of land. The estate extends over two other villages, Tournan-en-Brie and Favières, on the edge of an artificial lake one kilometer long. In the 1990s, the former King of Morocco, Hassan II, had fallen under the charm of this large residence. He becomes the owner and transforms it into a resplendent palace. "Under the direction of the architect Michel Pinseau, the domain underwent a remarkable transformation, reaching new heights of grandeur and opulence," says Ignace Meuwissen. "The oriental decors sublimated by the countless tiles of Fez contrast with the historic residence," we describe. The manor consists of 2,500 square meters of living space, 100 rooms, a hairdressing salon, three elevators, five lounges, a hammam...

King Mohammed VI, who inherited this property after the death of his father Hassan II, decided in 2008 to sell it for 200 million euros. A discreet man "from the Middle East" acquired it. Since then, the residence has remained the same. No modifications have been made.