Chateau Sarco, France

Chateau Sarco is a relatively modern French mansion; this location is also commonly called “Chateau Red Carpet”. Built during the 1920s, the architecture features a luxurious Louis XIII style. The French Ministry of the Interior originally owned this magnificent building. A prestigious school for firefighters was once housed here, and the location may have also been used as a wedding venue. 40 hectares of land surround the chateau, which sits on the outskirts of a small village.

A wealthy businessman bought the estate in the late 2000s; some reports state he is Russian, others say he is French. He purchased the site for €3.5 million, reportedly considered as an undervaluation. The Ministry pocketed 85% of this sum, and the rest will be used to reconstruct the firefighter’s school nearby. His plans were to turn Chateau Sarco into a grand hotel. The rest of the estate would feature new housing for firefighters, as well as a care home catering for the disabled. The nearby village celebrated the apparent salvation of this landmark (as well as the hefty land a business tax payments that would be due). The new also gifted the local village 100 parking spaces. The local newspapers hailed the new owner as a philanthropist.

Exploring Inside Chateau Red Carpet

The main draw of Chateau Sarco is the two storey tall, 100m square entry hall. The blood-red carpet covering the wide marble stairs draw your eye like a magnet. The upper landing has a circular cut-out with ornate floral-themed black iron balustrades. Both levels feature chessboard black-and-white chequered tiled floors. Cornflower blue painted doors lead off from the main entrance.

Several side rooms have bold wallpaper or wooden panelling; most also have a marble fireplace. A bar area on the ground floor has a mirrored counter and beautiful woodwork surrounding the fireplace.

Renovation of Chateau Sarco (2019)

This chateau was renovated in 2019, and it is now a wedding venue!