Lot Essay
Originally built by François Mansart (d. 1666), one of the most influential French architects of the mid-17th Century, the château de Balleroy was commissioned by Jean de Choisy in 1626. The château was intended as a full-time residence and thus the designs incorporated a village as well. The construction was completed by 1636 and remained in the de la Cour, Marquis de Balleroy, family until 1970, when the building was purchased by Malcolm Forbes.