Free Republic

Blundering builders mistakenly bulldozed an 18th-century chateau in the heart of France's picturesque wine country - when they were only supposed to knock down an outhouse on its estate. Chateau de Bellevue, 12km to the east of Bordeaux, once boasted 140,000-square-feet of grand reception rooms, ornate fireplaces, winding marble staircases and imposing granite balconies. Then its new owner, a Russian millionaire businessman, employed a team of Polish builders to renovate the manor to its former baroque glory, including the removal of one small building. But the workers apparently misunderstood the instructions and pulled down the castle instead, leaving the outhouse...

When wealthy French bachelor Louis Mantin demanded that nobody touch his lavish mansion for 100 years after his death, even the occupying German army paid heed. The eccentric recluse, who died in 1905, wrote in his will that he wanted Maison Mantin, in Moulins, Central France, to be turned into a museum dedicated to himself and his gentlemanly lifestyle. His vision was for visitors to experience his world a century on, uncorrupted by the passing of time. In doing so he ensured he was not forgotten.

Admittedly one cannot offhand buy a chateaux, vineyard, or standing in society, but still, the fashion can be emulated at the very least. The usual stereotypical chic in France, among those who own vineyards is that of a shabby wardrobe, messy hygiene, and an almost wan expression that speaks of the ennui of the cultivated aristocrat who lives tending his vineyards.