Builders accidentally demolish historic French chateau

www.domainedebellevue.info

An 18th century chateau in Bordeaux belonging to a Russian businessman has been demolished by Polish builders, apparently by mistake.

The BBC reports that owner Dmitry Stroskin said he was shocked after only ordering the builders to knock down an adjacent outhouse.

The local mayor of the nearby village of Yvrac is said to be furious.

Mr Stroskin was due to renovate Chateau de Bellevue and rebuild it exactly as it was.

The original 13,000 square-mile chateau featured grand horseshoe steps and a palatial ballroom. It was previously hired out for wedding receptions and functions.

It sat within an imposing vineyard estate, where now only the rundown outhouse is still standing.

Former owner Juliette Marmie told Associate Press: 'The Chateau de Bellevue was Yvrac's pride and joy, the whole village is in shock.

'How can this construction firm make such a mistake?'

Mr Stroskin has told local media he is 'in shock' and understands the locals' feelings.

French prosecutors are reported to be investigating whether there was a breach of the building code.

According to Sud-Ouest, Mr Stroskin said: 'I totally understand the excitement among local community members and the procedure at the prosecutor's (which is looking into the matter), but I'm not going to look for those responsible for this error; the damage is done.'

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