Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, through his Al Wathba Stud, purchased Haras de Fresnay le Buffard and surrounding environs for a reported €28 million late last year, according to published reports. The transaction was confirmed by Mansour's lawyer Edouard Vitry on New Year's Eve.
Included in the transaction are approximately 240 hectares of land with over 200 hectares devoted to lush pastures. The primary 16-room chateau was renovated in 2015. Around 12 hectares are parkland, in addition to two more luxury residences–La Haute Cole and La Belle Etoile–also on the property. An additional 23 supplementary dwellings to accommodate staff and visiting guests are also part of the deal.
Located in the Orne region of France, the estate dates back to the 18th century. Haras de Fresnay le Buffard was founded in 1903 and has previously been owned by Marcel Boussac and Stavros Niarchos.
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