Tours
Man opens door of abandoned 17th-century mansion and finds it frozen in time
It's so fascinating to see everything that was left behind.
Jake Manning
05.02.24

One video takes viewers on a fascinating exploration of an abandoned 17th-century chateau in southern France, just outside a quaint village.

The grand estate has been left vacant since the early 2000s, providing a captivating snapshot into the past.

The video, which has garnered 2.9 million views, intricately captures the chateau’s architectural beauty, the remnants of its luxurious interior decor, and the personal belongings of a family once well-rooted in both agriculture and the hotel industry.

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The chateau originally belonged to a prominent family whose influence extended throughout the region.

Over the centuries, they transitioned from their agricultural roots to a more lucrative hotel business.

The estate flourished under their stewardship, becoming a local landmark synonymous with both prosperity and the genteel lifestyle of its owners.

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The last inhabitants of the chateau were a man and his wife, who presided over the estate until her death in the 1990s.

Afterward, the man lived alone, maintaining the vast property until his own passing in the early 2000s.

With no heirs to inherit the chateau, it was left abandoned, a silent witness to the passage of time and the end of an era.

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Upon entering the chateau, the grandeur of the living room is immediately apparent.

High ceilings and antique furniture speak of old wealth and refined taste.

While a large, ornate rug stretches across the floor, adding a touch of warmth and color to the expansive room, this space, designed for reception and relaxation, showcases the family’s commitment to comfort and style.

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The family’s cultural engagements are evident from the vast collection of books and the presence of a grand piano, suggesting their appreciation for the arts and literature.

These items add a layer of personalization to the space.

Hinting at the intellectual pursuits and artistic inclinations of the chateau’s residents, these cultural artifacts offer a glimpse into the family’s sophisticated lifestyle.

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Despite its size and potential for lavishness, the dining room is surprisingly modest.

Decorated in shades of seafoam green and pink, it houses a simple dining table rather than the grandiose settings one might expect.

This choice suggests a humbler, perhaps more intimate family life amidst the backdrop of wealth.

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The exploration reveals more personal touches throughout the chateau, including antique radios, a classic sewing machine, vintage photographs, and old letters—each item telling a story of the past.

These artifacts provide a deeper understanding of the family’s day-to-day life and the eras they lived through.

They help paint a picture of the personal histories and intimate moments that occurred within these walls.

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The private spaces within the chateau, such as several uniquely decorated bedrooms and intricately tiled bathrooms, reflect the varied interests and personalities of its inhabitants.

Themes range from religious to military, each room a capsule of individual expression and historical periods.

These personal sanctuaries offer insights into the lives of those who once called the chateau home.

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Once magnificent gardens are now overgrown and the classic castle features like turrets covered in extensive vine growth.

This decay stands as a reminder of the transient nature of human endeavors.

A viewer commented, “The care and detail that was put into the construction of these old homes is just brilliant. I am so sad that all of that unique beauty has been lost on modern construction.”

This sentiment echoes a longing for the craftsmanship and distinctiveness of bygone eras, now replaced by contemporary styles.

Take a tour inside the fascinating past of this beautiful home!

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