Saudi Crown Prince's Lavish Retreat Near Paris Unveiled
In 2015, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acquired Château Louis XIV near Versailles for approximately $300 million, setting a record for the most expensive residential property
Constructed between 2008 and 2011 by developer Emad Khashoggi, the château emulates 17th-century French architecture, paying homage to King Louis XIV with authentic craftsmanship and materials
Encircled by a moat housing koi and sturgeon, the estate features a unique underwater meditation room with glass walls, seamlessly blending luxury with tranquility
Spanning 7,000 square meters, the château boasts 10 bedroom suites, a grand ballroom, a cinema, and a nightclub, all adorned with intricate gold leaf detailing and rare marbles
Ceilings throughout the residence showcase hand-painted frescoes inspired by Charles Le Brun, while a Carrara marble statue of Louis XIV stands prominently on the grounds
Set on 57 acres, the meticulously landscaped gardens feature French-style parterres, topiary yew trees, a labyrinth, and a replica of Versailles' Apollo Fountain
Despite its classical appearance, the château is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including systems that allow control of lighting, fountains, and air conditioning via smartphone
Initially purchased through shell companies, the true ownership of the château was later attributed to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as revealed by investigative reports