What would you do if the courts told you to demolish this opulent mansion and pay a Sh20 million fine on top?
While France is renown for its exquisite homes (Chateau) and display of wealth, this man got himself in trouble after he constructed an expansive mansion and richly furnished it inside out!
A court has ruled that the building is illegal, and the Sh6 billion Chateau Diter will now have to be knocked down.
18 months to down the building
Property developer Pierre Diter, who owns the chateau in the town of Grasse, in Southern France, has 18 months to raze the building and faces a fine of Sh22 million Pierre-Jean Gaury, attorney general at the court of appeal in Aix-en-Provence, told CNN.
Patrick Diter
“Patrick Diter was accused of having executed important works on a land without authorization,” said Gaury.
Protected site
“Mr. Diter transformed a home that was important because it was on a protected site, and subject to legal regulations.
“A house previously stood on the site, but Diter built a huge mansion with multiple buildings, a swimming pool and fountains, said Gaury.
Two helipads
The property, set on 17 acres, features 18 suites, two helicopter pads and manicured gardens, according to renown rental site which lists Chateau Diter among its offerings.
He made it very luxurious
“He made it very luxurious,” Gaury added.According to a ruling on Monday, an extra Sh56,000 will be added to the fine for every day beyond the deadline that the chateau remains standing.
One company involved in the building work received a Sh20 million fine, while another was fined Sh5.6 million.
Gaury emphasized that Diter bought the land legally and issues only arose because of what he did with it.