PARIS: When it was acquired in 1950 by the Saudi royal family, the Chateau Rothschild, located in the luxurious Paris suburb of Boulogne, was considered as one of the most beautiful examples of mid-19th century French architecture.

The city fathers of Boulogne decided to classify the structure as an historical monument in 1997.

But the once-elegant chateau was never occupied by its royal proprietor, and so eventually was allowed to fall into disuse, with the structure having particularly suffered during the last decade.

A spectacular fire in 1993 destroyed a good part of the chateau’s roof, with squatters and nature subsequently leaving their own traces of damage, destruction, degradation and disfigurement.

The structure, on a valuable piece of land, which means that it is highly coveted by local, national and international real estate promoters to build high-priced deluxe residences.

But Boulogne mayor Jean-Pierre Fourcade does not want that to happen.

Making use of a carrot-and-stick approach, however, Boulogne authorities have decided to set in motion a legal procedure according to which they will declare the property in a state of abandonment and, in two or three years, be able to acquire title to the chateau and surrounding land for a symbolic Euro.