Two thousand years ago, high-end homes came with sprawling grounds and banquet halls to seat a hundred. In the 2000s, we have satellite television, home cinemas and centrally heated flooring. Montbrun Castle has been through as many restorations as it has historical battles, and it was most recently revamped in the 90s, which means that the 16-room estate maintains its medieval château feel but the floors have never been warmer nor the amenities more technologically sound.
Built in 1179 on the orders of King Henry II of England, the castle grounds are the burial place of Richard the Lionheart's intestines. There's even a resident ghost - although that didn't deter Madame Pompadour, President de Gaulle, and, more recently, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie from visiting. The Jolie-Pitts were thinking about buying, but Jolie opted for a mansion in Provence, a fact that Pitt has publicly lamented.
Price is upon request, and the property includes 500 acres of land, four lakes, stables and a tavern on the "public" part of the estate. The oak and chestnut forests are ideal for horse riding and hunting with falcons.
The living space extends to 35,000 square feet, divided among four towers that surround a courtyard leading to that 100-seater hall. There are 15 en-suite guest rooms, one colossal master bedroom, a library, servants' quarters, three kitchens and a cinema in a vaulted tower.
The current owner, the Dutch businessman Maarten Lamers, has clearances from the Monuments de France heritage committee for the construction of pools, tennis courts, a golfing green, in-roads for owner access and even a private heliport. It's little wonder, then, that Pitt said: "I wanted to buy this beautiful castle, but Angelina wanted to be closer to the sea ... unfortunately!"
pmunyal@thenational.ae
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
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Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
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Industry: Technology and food delivery
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Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
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Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
