#Properties for sale in Paris

[livingonthecotedazurrealestate]

Buy apartment in paris france | Living On The Cote d'Azur

[aek1ra]

Paris | Mark Lee

Pairing boyfriend!mark x fem!reader

Summary: Your boyfriend, Mark, gets the offer of a lifetime but it means moving to Paris. Is this the start of a new future in a new city or where a great romance goes to die in the city of love.

Genre: angst, no warnings I think. Giselle and the rest of the æspa members play a small role.

Word count: 2,458

All stories are the property of © aek1ra, please do not copy, repost or translate without my permission. Thank you for your cooperation.

Friday

“I can’t stay here and be single for you, you’re my best friend why can’t you just be happy for me” you whisper shout at her in the middle of the crowded streets of Manhattan. “I am happy for you, I just don’t want you to regret this decision in the future-” she takes a deep breath and continues “look all I’m saying is that you’ve given up a lot for this relationship and this is one more thing he’s asking you to give up. Moving to Paris isn’t your dream y/n you’re chasing after him.” 

You heard her loud and clear, in fact you knew exactly what she was talking about. As much as you hate to admit you had been thinking the same thing for weeks now but how could you let him go. He was the missing puzzle piece, no he was the image you’re left with after the puzzle is completed. You had everything a girl in her mid twenties could ask for, the apartment in your dream city, the expensive shoes, the dream job and the dream boy. or at least you thought. No, you did and besides you’re not giving up your dream you’re simply moving it across an ocean. Yes, they have nice apartments in Paris, expensive shoes and people read magazines everywhere. It would take some time to find a job and some friends but once you got settled things would be the same, right? 

“I heard you, now let's drop this conversation I already quit my job and besides we leave tomorrow” you retort, taking a sip of your coffee hoping the warm beverage will help the lies come out smoother. She doesn’t say anything for a moment in fact you forget she’s even there. 1 beat 2 beats. “You weren’t even going to say goodbye to us? You can quit your job, throw away your shoes, hell even your hopes and dreams for some boy, but are we, am I that disposable to you.” pause “Actually you know what never mind, forget I said anything. Have a nice life y/n” 

3 beats, 4 beats. And with that you were left in the silence again except this time she really was gone. 

You walk into your shared apartment anxiously toying with your keys, the previous conversation replaying in your mind. 

“Baby your home, can you help me with the-” he stops mid-sentence seeing the tears well up in your eyes. 

“Hey what’s wrong? Things didn’t go well with Aeri, I take it?” you nod finally letting the tears you’d been holding all night cascade down your face. Mark is quick to pull into his chest, one arm around your waist pulling you in close, rubbing circles on your back. “She hates me. I don’t know why she can’t see things from my point of view. Everyone but her is happy for us, she’s my best friend and her opinion means the world to me. I mean she was my best friend.” you say in between sobs. 

He continues to listen as you drone on about her not understanding your feelings under the soft glow of the fluorescent lights. 

You were going to tell them, you did plan on saying goodbye but everything happened so fast. Mark had gotten offered the deal of a lifetime last week and asked you to move with him. Although it was sudden you couldn’t imagine your life without him. And with the long list of things you had to get done before the move like; putting the apartment up for sale, handing in your notice at work, packing, passports, visas,  you simply forgot to deliver the good news to your family and friends. 

When you called your parents this morning they expressed their excitement seeing you going on this adventure, truthfully they were just happy you’re happy, they know just how much you and Mark love each other. The other girls, Jimin, Minjeong and Yizhuo were all happy for you even if you knew deep down they had the same reservations as Aeri. She was the only person who didn’t seem to understand, or the only one not cowardly enough to say it out loud. She’ll come around eventually, right? 

After 15 minutes of effectively soaking your boyfriend's t-shirt he breaks the silence “come on” he starts as he cups your face softly in his hands wiping the last of the tears away, “let's get you to bed, we still have a few things to do before our flight tomorrow”. And with that you let him lead you to the bedroom thoughts of your friendship pushed to the back of your mind as the excitement and slight anxiety takes over. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday morning, First day in Paris

Before you knew it you were in Paris, standing in the lobby of the infamous Ritz Carlton. The company had booked a 5 night stay for you both while the deal was being finalised. Mark went off to get your room key while you stood admiring the crystal chandelier hanging above you. It was mesmerising, dazzling, the main star, the sun, the other lights danced around. He was standing at the front desk a few steps away, the lights above him creating a spotlight on him. There he was, your crystal chandelier, your sun and you were his earth quietly, forever orbiting around him. 

“Hey” his voice snaps you out of your haze, “let’s head up stairs yeah” he takes your hand in his, the sound of hurried footsteps and soft giggles are all that's left as you both disappear into the elevator.

Ding!

You come to a stop on the top floor, the Imperial suite. The view up here was stunning. Breathtaking. You felt like the luckiest girl in the world, every morning you would be waking up to two of the most beautiful views, the Eiffel tower and your boyfriend. 

Thump. There it was, that feeling again, you had been feeling this pang in your heart, a sort of longing like something was missing. If you were being honest you had been feeling this since your talk with Aeri yesterday, more specifically after she left standing alone outside your apartment. 

The faint sound of a phone ringing pulls you out of your thoughts, you watch your boyfriend talk to someone on the phone, probably his manager. 

 “Right now?”

“No, that's fine I’ll be there. Can you give me 20 minutes? I'll shower and meet you at the studio.” he hangs up the phone making his way towards you. He stands in front of you staring in your eyes, “I’m so sorry I know we said we would spend the day together before I got too busy. But I promise you I’ll be back before 7, we’re still on for dinner right beautiful?” 

Mhm. You hum in response planting a quick peck on his lips “don’t worry about me I’ll go shopping for our date tonight.” 

To be quite honest you were upset it hadn’t even been 24 hours and he was already too busy for you. Who were you kidding, did you really think it would be different, Manhattan to Paris the only change was your address. Maybe he just had no more room in his life for you. No, it sounded urgent, probably something with the contract, a typo or something. You’re a big girl, you can spend the day alone in the hotel room, or better yet go out and buy yourself a new dress for dinner tonight. 

“Besides I think I’ll go out and check out the stores around the area” he gives you one last squeeze before letting go and making his way into the shower. 

Tshhh

The sound of the shower water interrupts the quiet of the room, wishing the water could just wash away all your worries.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday night  

Standing in front of the mirror admiring yourself in the strapless Versace dress you purchased earlier on. The sneaking suspicion that Mark wasn’t going to make it home starts to creep up on you. He was always doing that, making plans with you and cancelling at the last minute, sometimes not even showing up and forgetting to call. You know how important his work is to him and how crazy his schedule can get sometimes. At the start of your relationship he made a point to always let you know if he was going to be late, sending flowers on the days he misses a date. But as time went on the flowers and calls started to slow down eventually coming to a stop. I mean you knew he didn’t mean to, you didn’t need gifts to know that he never meant to forget you, he never meant to keep you waiting. 

The clock finally strikes seven and you’re sitting on the small couch at the end of the hallway, opposite the front door. Dazedly staring at the front door willing it to open, like a puppy waiting for its owner to return. Seven o’clock becomes eight, eight becomes nine, eventually it's Ten and you tire of waiting around so you decide to head to bed. 

It’s a quarter to Midnight when Mark returns, you spent the past thirty minutes tossing and turning, head full of questions, where could he be, was he alone, was he even thinking about you. He walks into the room, no he stumbles in knocking over a few perfume bottles that were on the dresser. You feign sleep, you're suddenly hit with the smell of alcohol. The bed dips next to you and soon enough you feel this lips on your cheeks, a quick bittersweet lingering kiss. The smell of alcohol is so overpowering you start to get dizzy. You feel a new emotion, not hurt, not disappointment, not hurt, but for the first time ever you were angry at him. While you were worried sick that he could’ve been somewhere out there lost in this foreign country where neither of you speak the language, or worse out dead in a ditch somewhere he was out drinking. Mark could be careless, inattentive, forgetful whatever you want to call it but never was he stupid. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday morning 

The sun rose at 7 this morning, you hadn’t slept at all last night, thoughts of what your future would look like if you decided to live here with him. Mark starts to stir in his sleep, finally waking up. He wraps his  arms around your waist, pulling you towards his chest murmuring a quick  “good morning beautiful”. When you don’t respond he shifts slightly, lifting his head off the bed to get a good look at your face. 

“Baby, hey I’m sorry time just got away from me-” he starts, but you think it's pointless listening to the same speech you’ve heard all these nights before. Mark was the best boyfriend a girl could ask for, that is when he’s not too consumed by his work. You see for him everything else would always come second to his love for music, and maybe one day you would be strong enough to handle that truth. 

“Don’t worry about it. I forgot myself” you interrupt him before he can finish, “You have to get going, you’re going to be late for your important meeting.” you say albeit a bit too venomously for your liking, quickly sliding out of the bed and opting to sit by the window. 

“y/n” he starts but decides against it, instead deciding to give you your space. 

At 8:30am you hear the door to your room close signalling Mark has left for the day. You guys barely spoke to each other at breakfast, a silent dance of tension. Every few minutes you’d shoot him a soft smile in an attempt to show him you’re not mad, or in an attempt to lie to yourself. 

You had planned on going to see the cute cafes today while Mark was at his meeting, but after the events of last night you decide to stay in and wallow in self pity. Plus you have to console yourself before the dinner tonight with some music company executive that Mark kept droning on and on about on the flight over. You know this dinner is super important for his deal and no argument between the two will get in the way of that. So you swallow your hurt and anger, and decide to waste your time watching some random French drama. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday night 

At exactly 7pm Mark walks int through the front door. Of course he’s always 

The happy couple, you walk hand in hand into the restaurant. Mark’s manager greets you guys at the door, ushering you both to join the rest of the party inside.

 “Mark, I want you to meet Mr. Devon” his manager announces pushing Mark towards the older gentlemen. 

As he let go of your hand for what felt like the millionth time, your picture perfect dream was starting to crumble all around you. All the painful memories, all the nights he left you waiting around for him, all the times he put his work, friends, colleagues before you, all the broken promises and forgotten dates.. Yes, forgotten, like you had forgotten your friends like they were something to check off a to-do list. But at the end of the day, you couldn’t blame him, not really, no. Mark, he was only chasing after what was important to him, and that wasn’t you, not anymore.

With your head hung low, you quietly make your way to your seat. 

Once Mark is done making the rounds saying his hellos, he takes his seat next to you, intertwining his fingers with yours. And as you stare aimlessly down at your interlocked fingers, you catch a glimpse of the classouses on his hands from hours and hours of strumming his guitar mindlessly while writing lyrics. It then becomes painfully obvious to you, you don’t belong here, at least not with him, not now, it was time for you to let go, let him run as fast and far as he can, chasing after his dreams. Slowly removing your hand from his you plant a soft kiss on his cheek letting your lips linger for a second before you whisper your last words of the night to him  “I love you, I’m sorry for doing this to you tonight but I wish you the best Mark”. You walk out of the restaurant refusing to look back, too afraid that one look into his beautiful tear filled irises would make you crumble on the spot. 

Au revoir mon amour, if the universe wills it surely we’ll meet again. 

(Note: Hi 👋🏽 if you’ve made it this far thank you so much for reading for first ever fic. I started writing this based on Carrie & Miranda’s argument and then just let the story take me where ever. I’m thinking of maybe giving it a part 2, what do you think?)

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I don't think I've ever seen an Art Nouveau property for sale. This apt. is in Paris, has 2bds, 2ba, and Is listed for €3,150,000 / $3.468M.

Beautiful muraled walls in the private entrance hall with marble stairs.

What a main room.

Isn't this amazing?

This wood is incredible. What a beautiful room.

Note the ombre paint on the balcony.

Check out the Art Nouveau walls of the dining room.

The kitchen is cute. It has yellow Shaker cabinetry, but it also has a very industrial chef's kitchen. It looks like that's one of the dining room walls on the right.

A sitting room overlooks the main room.

The main bedroom is off the 2nd fl. sitting room and can be closed off with pocket doors or curtains.

Has a nice big bath. Like that shiny red claw food tub.

The 2nd bedroom is small, but you gotta love that curved wall and it does have its own en-suite bath.

[mozartbachtoven]

Claude Monet (1840 - 1926 ) had won the Paris Lottery in 1880, with which he bought a large property in Giverny very close to his elder friend and professor Edouard Manet... Here

Photograph of Monet in his Garden in 1920, that is, 6 years before he died.

This property is currently a Foundation Museum of 15 acres completely sown with diversity of species to the most interesting. It's visited by more than 700,000 thousand people per month.

Yes, according to historical records, Claude Monet won the Paris Lottery in 1880, which allowed him to purchase a significant property in Giverny, France, where he famously created many of his renowned water lily paintings.

He won 100,000 francs in the Loterie Nationale, which was today's equivalent of about €10,000.

The Lottery Win:

Monet's lottery win provided him with the financial means to buy a large estate in Giverny.

Giverny Significance:

This property became the site where Monet developed his famous gardens, which heavily influenced his artistic style, particularly his series of water lily paintings.

Impact on Art History:

The gardens at Giverny are now a popular tourist destination and considered a significant part of Monet's artistic legacy.

May 1883. Louis Joseph Singeot, a Giverny landowner, agreed to rent his house with green shutters and pink render to Claude Monet. Seven years later, that same farmer and winegrower decided to put the house up for sale. The Monet Hoschedé clan jumped at the opportunity without hesitation! Visionary art dealer and passionate defender of impressionist artists Paul Durand-Ruel was approached for financial assistance: “I must ask you for a significant amount of money, being on the cusp of purchasing the house where I live or having to leave Giverny, the loss of which I would feel keenly, certain of never again finding such a setting nor such a beautiful area,” wrote the artist to his benefactor.

The sale was finalised on 17 November 1890 in the offices of Maitre Grimpard, a notary in Vernon. The sale price was set at 20,000 francs, payable in four instalments on 1 November each year from 1891 onwards. What did that amount mean to Claude Monet at that time? Does the letter to Paul Durand-Ruel express his financial difficulties? It appears not. Remember that in 1889, the sale of just one of his paintings – ‘The Seine at Vétheuil’ – earned Claude Monet 7,900 francs! Since 1886, when Paul Durand-Ruel unlocked the American market for him, Claude Monet had enjoyed growing wealth. In addition, he would have no problem paying his future property instalments. Remember the profitable ‘15 Haystacks’ exhibition of 4 May 1891. “Soon after opening, everything had sold for three to four thousand each!” reported the artist Pissarro.

In addition to saying a lot about Claude Monet’s finances, this precious deed of sale provides information about the property’s exact condition in 1890. It describes “a single painting studio in the wing, on the western end of the main house.” In fact, it was not until 1897 that the artist converted his studio into a smoking lounge and built a second studio with a huge window.

By taking ownership of the house and land, Claude Monet could continue to shape his charming site to his taste. Soon, his garden would become one with his paintings. And Claude Monet’s destiny would forever be interwoven with that of Giverny.

Source : claudemonetgiverny.fr

[nesiacha]

Correspondence between Gracchus Babeuf, his wife and his children (and also all the times where Marie-Anne Babeuf is mentioned)

"Warning: Sensitive souls should refrain: at one point, there will be a defamation of Gracchus brought by his political adversaries regarding cannibalism involving his daughter (completely false)."

Following the excellent question from @anotherhumaninthisworld , I will post the correspondence of Gracchus Babeuf, Marie-Anne Babeuf, and their children here, as well as all instances where Marie-Anne Babeuf is mentioned either in police reports or by her husband or another person who mentioned her (I have just found a few more mentions or letters about her).

Regarding what we know about Marie-Anne Babeuf, the theories about her, the remarks by Jean-Marc Schiappa on her , her three-week imprisonment under the Directory , the consequences of her arrest (which was done to try and force her to turn against her husband and reveal his whereabouts, as she was in constant contact with him), for more details, you can find them here:

https://www.tumblr.com/anotherhumaninthisworld/771852138839162880?source=share

About Marie-Anne Babeuf:

Gracchus Babeuf's opinion on the storming of the Bastille and the murder of Foulon. Letter he sent to his wife: https://www.tumblr.com/nesiacha/766775982269087744/gracchus-babeufs-opinion-on-the-storming-of-the?source=share

Some time after the assassination of Foulon, here is what Gracchus Babeuf, who was in an abysmal situation, writes. He is still writing to his wife. Now, the brief daily letters (in which they face political troubles and poverty): "If someone of us must suffer, I must start first. However, I hope that by tomorrow, I can get something for you. I am expecting ten écus from the sale of a small four-page brochure I made, which was printed yesterday and will be sold today... I am already almost sure of a job paying eight hundred francs, which will not occupy me more than two days a week." The brochure is an attack on Mirabeau, just as Marat attacked Mirabeau. Gracchus does the same.

September 1789 "This famous Corsican merchant an estimable young man whose life, at the age of 32, has already been marked by so many setbacks" (it seems that Babeuf is talking about Constantini mandated by Paoli)

On October 4, 1789, to his wife, Marie-Anne Babeuf: "I am used to the role of father. I feel that today, this is the first need of my existence, and that I could not live otherwise."

Paris, February 24, 1793: "...My children are crying because they have no bread! My dear friend (Marie-Anne Babeuf), try to stop them from dying, at least for a few more days." Later, Marie-Anne Babeuf pawned her modest property.

Gracchus about what he wrote to his wife in May 1793: "I have here as friends the most distinguished people in Paris: Chaumette, procurer of the Commune, Pache, mayor, Garin, municipal officer and general administrator of supplies, Robespierre, Sylvain Maréchal, editor of Les Révolutions de Paris, and many others. All these people give me the warmest welcome despite my shabby attire."

It is known that Babeuf participated in the insurrectional movement of June 2, 1793. On May 27, he wrote to his wife Marie-Anne: "Paris is once again in revolution; but don't worry about me; the sans-culottes always have the upper hand, and we hope to make a great leap forward this time toward the goal of holy equality."

In 1793 Gracchus Babeuf wrote to his wife with his usual humor, still with "fifteen francs and one hundred sols," making himself rich.

A letter from Marie-Anne Babeuf: On the 19th of Floréal in 1794: "Hello, my dear friend, I send you a shirt, a pair of stockings, a bonnet, a tie, trousers, a handkerchief, radishes, cheese." Your wife, Babeuf.

Another letter from Marie-Anne Babeuf to her husband: On June 5, 1794: "Be sure, my friend, that I will never abandon you, I will follow you everywhere."

Gracchus, who declared in Year III for women's equal participation in political clubs. By August 1794, this is how Gracchus described his wife (and his eldest son, Emile): "My wife and my son, aged 9, both as devoted and republican as their fathers and husbands, are committed to assisting me by all means. They make the same sacrifices. They are busy day and night at Guffroy, my printer's, folding, distributing, and shipping the newspaper. The house is abandoned. Two other young children (probably Camille, the son, and Sophie, their daughter, who died of malnutrition before), one only three years old, are left locked up alone during the day for a month. No more kitchen at home; we lived during the time the paper lasted on bread, grapes, and nuts."

After this, everyone knows that there will be a break with Guffroy, as Gracchus will accuse him of stealing. Later, he wrote in the 27th issue of his newspaper, "Guffroy is shamelessly stealing from me. He collects all the fruit of my labor. My first issues were printed in two editions, he sold a lot, received all the revenue, received all the subscriptions, and I never saw a penny."

In a postscript confirming the break between Guffroy and Babeuf, Guffroy mentions Marie-Anne Babeuf: "The previous issues are our joint property. However, your wife (Marie-Anne) took some despite my wish. Everything will belong to you if you pay me for the printing."

Babeuf will later write, "Guffroy, my printer, stopped the printing of number 26 yesterday, he also stopped its sale, seized about thirty thousand copies of all my issues, kicked my wife and son out, and announced that he would denounce me to the Committee of General Security."

Following this breakup, Gracchus Babeuf will turn to Marat's family, more specifically his sister Albertine Marat, as you may have seen in the post here, where she published a letter against Fréron that Gracchus Babeuf also published: https://www.tumblr.com/nesiacha/767708756031176704/i-am-so-exhausted-that-i-only-now-realize-that-i?source=share (which is not surprising, as Gracchus always deeply admired Marat despite occasionally harsh critiques of the journalist from L'Ami du Peuple).

A mention of Marie-Anne Babeuf protecting her husband Gracchus from another arrest. Here's the report: "Naftel had gone to Babeuf's home, on the Champs-Elysées, where he found the wife and children of the journalist; but his wife told him that she didn’t know where her husband was; at least that's what Naftel reported, because a month later, Naftel's colleagues in the police insinuated that not only had he not rushed to search for Babeuf, but that he might have warned him of his impending visit to the Champs-Elysées to give him time to hide." Indeed, paradoxically, if Babeuf is a victim of persecution, he has a certain popularity among certain popular groups who protect him and this includes Naftel according to Jean Marc Schiappa. Even when pursued by the police, Babeuf devised some tricks to protect himself from the police, as he described in issue 36 of Tribun du peuple, which he calls the principle of "resistance to oppression." He says that when he is stopped by the crowd, all he has to do is say his name for them to let him pass (one day I will have to make a detailed post about this).

On July 14, 1796, Babeuf is once again arrested, and this time he knows it's the end. He leaves a letter to Felix Le Peletier, his lifelong friend. He mentions his wife once again: "His will and final recommendation (…) I leave two children and a wife (Marie-Anne Babeuf must have been two months pregnant with their son Caius); and I leave them without a penny, without means of supporting themselves from now on." He wants his wife to obtain a small business so she can feed their children (this will be done as she becomes a toilet merchant, likely due to Felix Le Peletier, who was the protector of the Babeuf family, perhaps Réal or even Turreau who helped her).

He ends this letter by mentioning his wife: "When my body returns to the earth, nothing will remain of me but a large number of projects, notes, and drafts of revolutionary writings, all consistent with the vast goal, the completely philanthropic system for which I die. My wife will be able to gather them all, and one day, when the persecution subsides, when all the good men can breathe freely enough to place flowers on our grave, when people will once again consider ways to show humanity the happiness we proposed to it, you will be able to search these scraps and present to all the disciples of Equality, to those of our friends who keep our principles in their hearts; you will present, I say, for the benefit of my memory, the mixed collection of various fragments contained in all that the corrupt of today call my dreams."

When Marie-Anne Babeuf had to walk while pregnant, as I mentioned earlier, with her son Emile.

A letter from Babeuf to his wife and son, dated September 5, 1796. A letter to Marie-Anne Babeuf and Emile, dated from Vendôme, 19 Fructidor, Year IV (September 5, 1796). We reproduce the A.S. excerpts as given by the anonymous writer of the catalog: "How did you come, my good friends? Probably on foot, and you must be very tired. Are you not sick? Did you find decent lodging here? Satisfy me on all these things that worry me, while I wait for you to tell me everything, even the smallest details of your food, the day when I can enjoy the pleasure I’ve been deprived of for so long, that of embracing you, speaking to you, seeing you... That will be when we finish building a parlor... However, this indefinite delay still saddens me. It has been so long since I saw you! You deserve, on so many levels, my concern and love!... Good mother, good child, what should I not do to speed up, if possible, the moment I can hold you in my arms. I will write... to the Municipality to urge them to speed up our meeting... What could you have done with my Camille! The poor dear child! Is he the only one who could not follow his tender father... Surely he has cried for me, surely he will cry. His young soul, soaked with the sweetest sensitivity, has long known the nature of tender affections. Why is he so young, so weak? He would have accompanied me, and then you would have been in Gracchus’ terrible circumstances... I will tell you too much now... We were reasonably on the road. We spent only one night in prison, and it was in Rambouillet. We spent nothing of our own and were well treated everywhere. We are the same here. We had soup and boiled food at noon, a vegetable dish; in the evening, another good dish... a bottle of wine a day... Goodbye, my good friends."

Here is a letter of escape attempt from Babeuf to his wife: "There is only one guard in the small courtyard at the end; we must win him over, and we will take him with us to Paris. He will be received as the liberator of the friends of the people. He must come from six to eight in the evening. We will leave through the house you know. For the first signal, the liberator must whistle the victory song at noon or later that day, and in the evening, at the desired moment, he will strike the ground three times successively with the butt of his rifle. Answer me as we agreed, citoyenne." Which could explain why Gracchus was in favor of Marie-Anne Babeuf making the journey pregnant on foot when she was due to give birth soon. He was counting on her to help him with an escape plan.

When he was imprisoned for the last time, which would lead to his execution, he sent a letter to his wife. A prison letter from Babeuf (1764-1797) to his wife, written on the back of an address sheet by his wife: "To Citizen my Babeuf." "I received the linen you sent me. I also send you 4 ½ loaves of bread, a bottle of wine, and some meat. I kiss you with all my heart." He adds in a postscript: "You didn’t give me any news about the timing of my defense. Will I have it tomorrow? It would be very unfortunate if I don’t."

Another letter from Gracchus Babeuf to Marie-Anne Babeuf (I assume she is the recipient) Vendôme, 4 Pluviôse Year V.

"One must resign oneself to everything, my dear friend. There is nothing left, I hope, to fear now; we must give those who torment us some time, at least, to allow some new refinement to present itself to their inventive genius. The first constantly happy man is truly me. At the slightest sign of internal turmoil, and regardless of the silence that almost always keeps my mouth shut, the oppression that strikes the inside never escapes me. How are you? Is the liberating moment, the moment of deliverance, approaching soon? After that, my little unfortunate one, what will become of you? My soul, every day, runs and wanders through a thousand worries for you; comfort it. In the morning, in the evening, write to me. As you say, we will manage to bear these sufferings along with so many others. Tomorrow noon, you must present yourself here. I don’t think they will turn you away, unless they truly have no more entrails. After the storm comes calm, and no more Aquilon will whistle... winning men to reason, to justice, or at least to seem to have reason, we find this difficult, we are reduced to this. Will we win in the end? Will we determine this victory? With perseverance, I am by no means completely desperate. By devoting ourselves to principles, to liberty, singing... out loud and persistently all the civic virtues that [Rome and modern Paris have seen blossom, in the first degree. Tell me, was there anything other than pure motives that guided us [last night]? Could it be possible, could it even be conceivable, I said upon receiving your letter and reading it, that in this moment... as in the time of Sylla, we were reduced to waiting for the moment desired, when despotism will drag, strike... Liberator of men! ... Shall I finish? Yes... it will strike whole families, hurling, overturning, here and there... friends, wives and husbands, fathers and children. What a land. Courage, though. It is essential that you, me, and your son, all three, have it. People, your enemy can try once more, but this time it will perish. What have all its successive conquests been? It will have to, as the Picard says, fall into the ditch and its dog with it—how false is the path where its imagination strays. Pride swells it, ambition finishes blinding it. Emile plays croquet now and then, I was told; he has been seen more than six times. Why doesn't he stick to his little violin, which has such a beautiful sound? With this amusement, he can combine exercise with his little rifle; eight or ten days will make him tired of each toy. I say the opposite: if I were near him, he would work with me morning and evening, I would direct his activities. Instead, by... one flatters oneself in vain... Why think of the impossible? Let’s leave it at that. Would I depart from these ideas if I forgot my situation? This Citizen, by whom you are solicited, is undoubtedly still taking great care of you* As the description you made of it pleased me. Let us console ourselves... A friend's house is still open to us**; let us congratulate ourselves that there are even more unfortunate people to be pitied than we are. You will write to me and give me news often, as agreed. Don’t you know that nothing gives me more pleasure.

“I embrace you. G. Babeuf."

*According to Bouis, the citizen in question is the wife of the revolutionary Hésine. He was a fervent supporter of Gracchus, defending him in his journal and providing lodging for the Babeuf family during Gracchus's last trial that led to his execution. Hésine almost paid for this fervent support by being threatened with deportation (a sentence that was later overturned)."

**House of the Hésine. Hesine was fervent supporter of Gracchus who defended him in his journal and almost paid for it with his deportation."

Here is the last letter of Gracchus Babeuf to his family. He leaves Marie-Anne Babeuf with the task of keeping certain documents, including the defenses he used:

Link to last letter of Babeuf before his execution

He also mentions his wife and children to Felix Le Peletier in his last farewell letter to him:

Link to letter from Babeuf to Felix Le Peletier

Now, here are some excerpts from the correspondence of Gracchus Babeuf and his children, where he mentions them each time:

Gracchus loved his children. Once, while in prison, he woke up in tears, thinking his son was ill, for example. What is tragic is that often his children would share in these dramatic moments, such as when Emile witnessed one of his father’s many arrests and his subsequent imprisonment in Arras.

To his eldest daughter, Catherine-Sophie, born in 1783 (some would falsely accuse Marie-Anne Babeuf of being an adulterous wife and claim Gracchus was not Sophie’s father according to Jean -Marc Schiappa), he adored his daughter and had great ambitions for her. He was attentive to her and said of her, "because I was continually occupied with you." Unfortunately, the little girl was severely scalded in July 1787 on her hips due to an accident and died in November 1787, devastating her father to the point of losing his sanity (and surely her mother as well, though there is no written record of it). Gracchus would have been slandered by his political opponents, according to Jean-Marc Schiappa, who wrongly accused him of having eaten part of his deceased daughter’s heart. So, it was Robert, the next child, renamed Emile, who would take part in the French Revolution in place of this deceased older sister, although Gracchus loved all his children. It is interesting to note that Gracchus had endured a harsh upbringing from his father. He says of his unhappy childhood, since he lived in poverty, and most of his brothers and sisters died young: "Education cost my shoulders dearly," he writes, "for to teach me what they did not know, they did so very roughly, and I clearly remember the soldier-like tone and the terribly blunt gestures with which they—I will not say brutalized and repelled, but atrociously tortured my childhood." Gracchus took a gentler approach with his own children, even though he didn’t hesitate to reprimand them when they acted independently.

Here is what Gracchus wrote to his son Emile on Sunday, October 4, 1789: "I was very pleased with my son’s letter: he still remembers all the nice names we used to call each other: My ragamuffin, my little rogue, my comrade, my devilish ragamuffin, my little fellow, my friend. I speak of this as if I had left him ten years ago. Time seems so long when you're far from those you love... I have become accustomed to the role of father; I feel that today it is the primary need of my existence, and that I could not live in any other way."

Another letter on May 7, 1790, to Emile Babeuf: "Hello, my dear child, hello, my little comrade, my brother, my dear Robert, I write to you from St-Quentin, where I bought you a cane, a very nice one, you hear: oh yes, really a pretty little cane, it’s a St-Quentin cane, that one, you’ll lend it to me, won’t you? I bought it for both of us, you see. Oh! if you knew how beautiful it is, here, this is how it’s made, look: yes, that’s exactly how it is, just like that; isn’t it nice? Oh, ragamuffin, you will be so happy to walk with it, to play with it at home with your little sister, you’ll give her the cane, sometimes for a little while; oh! surely poor little one; and then always you will lend it to me too. I am well, you see [?] and you, don’t you have the smallpox? Goodbye, don’t be sick, tell your mom that I kiss her and your little sister too. I am your ragamuffin of a father."

On February 24, 1793, when Gracchus was alone in misery due to the "faux" affair involving his children: "I owe my existence to my children, to the obligation imposed on me to raise them, and to yield to the unrelenting persecution I’ve endured for so long."

Gracchus often displayed pedagogical skills for Emile Babeuf, but also humor, such as when he plagiarized Le Père Duchesne while writing to his son.

In 1795, Emile wrote to his father in prison: "It’s not the generosity of your friends that keeps us alive." It seems clear that Emile was referring to Fouché, and later, Gracchus Babeuf would write an article about him, as you can see here: Link to article excerpt. (I will delve deeper into the relationship between Fouché and Gracchus Babeuf in a subsequent post, especially when Fouché tried to corrupt Gracchus, probably on Barras' orders, during a two-hour interview in the presence of Babeuf’s ally, Antonelle. Babeuf refused to have any dealings with him thereafter, as did surely Antonelle, who saw through Fouché’s scheme. It will be interesting to explore how Barras and Fouché may have played a role in the downfall of the Conspiracy of Equals and Babeuf’s downfall as well.)

The same year, Sophie, the Babeuf couple’s daughter, left alone at home (probably due to her mother’s political clandestine activities, in addition to constantly finding food for her children and Emile, who was always making arrangements), suffered from malnutrition due to the family’s poverty. According to Jean-Marc Schiappa, she was so hungry that she ate "an entire pot of potatoes, almost suffocating herself and died on the 18th of Messidor Year III after two months of terrible convulsions." It was Emile who had to break the news to his father, which confirms my theory that Marie-Anne Babeuf continued her husband's clandestine activities (because otherwise she would have told the news to her husband in person) . Gracchus fell into deep despair. He would later write in Vendôme about this period: "Had I a cold soul incapable of being moved by the sight of public suffering, I was personally paid to curse most heartily the dreadful famine and all the miseries of Year III. Banished to the prison of Arras at the end of Year II and the beginning of Year III for my writings, in which I had most forcefully condemned the crimes of the reaction, I had left my wife and three unfortunate children without help, in the most miserable distress. From the depths of my sort of exile, I learned that these dearly loved children, objects of my tender affection, were suffering, perishing like so many others, amid the agonies of this horrific famine caused by the populicide Boissy d'Anglas. I had a seven-year-old daughter; I soon received the heartbreaking news that she had died due to the murderous reduction of two ounces of bread. When I saw my other two children in Fructidor, I found them so exhausted that they were unrecognizable to me. This scene that I saw in my own family, I saw reproduced in a hundred thousand others around it."

However, while the overall problems that Babeuf faced and the terrible trials he endured are true, the date when he allegedly saw his children again doesn’t seem accurate, as he only saw them again in Vendémiaire. Jean-Marc Schiappa hypothesizes that Babeuf deliberately reversed the dates to better connect the Conspiracy to the famine issues and downplay the political question for a better defense.

In 1797, during the Vendôme trial, this is what Gracchus Babeuf said about his son Emile and the violin: "Emile plays... why doesn't he stick to his little violin? With this pastime, he can combine exercise; eight or ten days will tire him of each toy. If I were near him, he would work with me, morning and evening, I would direct his activities."

At one point, the accusation sought to slander the Babouvists by accusing Gracchus and his comrades of attempting to restore the monarchy based on a seemingly innocent remark by Emile, who had sent two lines of admiration to his father, calling him "Gracchus I." Gracchus, angry, pointed out in court that it was Emile, 12 years old, who had written that.

In his final prison stay, Gracchus saw his children (the newborn Caius and Emile, but Camille did not make the trip) and his wife when they walked on a nearby hill. Gracchus Babeuf continued to watch over their education, providing care and advice. At one point, the parents considered having Emile join his father in prison under suitable conditions but abandoned the idea due to too many problems.

Jean-Marc Schiappa agrees with the theory that it was Emile Babeuf who gave the dagger that led his father to attempt suicide with Darthé. He presents some evidence, especially since Emile, despite his young age, was already involved in politics with his father, such as acting as a press carrier and helping relay correspondence between Drouet and his father during the time of the Conspiracy, much like his mother, Marie-Anne Babeuf, who contacted others on her husband’s behalf when he was in hiding, acting as a liaison between him and his correspondents, or helping him escape, protect him, and get him the essential items he needed. Some others suggest that it was Darthé and Babeuf who sharpened the blade during their suicide attempt.

Buonarroti and Charles Germain obtained permission to visit Darthé and Babeuf before their executions. Buonarroti said that Gracchus' final words were for his children.

Here is a part of the correspondence of Marie-Anne Babeuf, sometimes illegible, in this link: link. ( moreover this site seems to be interesting but for the moment I am beginning to discover it so I can’t said if this website is good or not)

In this link on Gracchus Babeuf and education you will find passages on his son Emile and his relationship with him (I was not able to explore everything thank you very much my computer which is constantly bugging)https://www.jstor.org/stable/41925472

P.S.: It's true that following the comment by @anotherhumaninthisworld, it is possible that Marie-Anne Babeuf, in addition to meeting (which is certain) Albertine Marat, likely Simone Evrard, Joseph Fouché, the revolutionaries of the Conspiracy of Equals (in her role as her husband’s "political right hand"), and perhaps even Maurice Duplay, Eleonore Duplay, and Elisabeth Le Bas, may have met Charlotte Robespierre during the time when she and her husband ( Gracchus) were working for Guffroy. It just goes to show how small the world was in Paris.

[empirearchives]

Political gains & contents of the Concordat of 1801

Agreement between Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII on 15 July 1801 in Paris.

Rome seems to have made immense sacrifices. The first advantage won by the First Consul was to seal, by the very act of signing an agreement, the recognition of the French Republic by the Holy See, and hence the rupture of the traditional alliance between Rome and the legitimate monarchies. It was a disastrous blow to French royalism in exile, for it freed the faithful in the interior from scruples about the regime of the Year VIII.

The second advantage was to confirm a church of salaried public servants, amenable to the State and having mainly sociological functions. Here we see a continuation of the Gallican tradition, but also of the thought of philosophes who had urged both the submission of the clergy to the State and its integration within it. The refusal to reestablish the religious orders meant also the rejection of any ecclesiastical life that might escape the authority of the bishops. Even the cathedral chapters were reduced to decorative functions.

Thirdly, no question was raised about the sale of the former Church properties, a matter of great importance for strengthening the prestige of Bonaparte in the eyes of the property-owning segments of French society.

Pius VII, for his part, failed to obtain the recognition of Catholicism as the state religion. He agreed to use his authority for what Consalvi called “the massacre of a whole episcopate,” by requiring the resignation of all French bishops, both constitutional and refractory, since Napoleon judged such a step to be indispensable for effacing all traces of the revolutionary schism. It is right to see in this operation an encouragement to ultramontanism, for it affirmed the powers of the Pope over the French Church. But it also encouraged a tendency in the French episcopate, that is, a whole ecclesiological movement for appeal to an ecumenical council in matters of discipline.

Among the numerous provisions of the Articles we may point out those that legalized all forms of worship in France, and those that strictly subordinated the lower clergy to the bishops (“prefects in violet robes”): only a fifth of the parish priests received the title of curé, and with it secure tenure; all others became simple desservants of succursales, that is assistant pastors.

This is what the Church got out of the deal:

What then did the Pope gain in this Concordat, “more likely to raise difficulties than to solve them” (Bernard Plongeron). Maintenance of the unity of the Roman Church, which a consolidation of the schism in France might have ruined forever; recognition of canonical investiture, which allowed the Pope to overcome the zelanti among the cardinals who opposed the Concordat but favored a reinforcement of spiritual authority; and resumption of regular pastoral life in France, where the new administrative and social status of the priest encouraged a growing number of ordinations, which reached several hundred by the end of the Empire.

Pius VII in any case remained attached to the results accomplished, a fact that deprived the small “shadow church” opposed to the Concordat of the possibility of resistance. His continuing attitude was shown later in his willingness to come to Paris for the Emperor’s coronation.

Source: Louis Bergeron, L'Episode napoléonien. Aspects, intérieurs: 1799-1815

English: France Under Napoleon, tr. R. R. Palmer

[a-modernmajorgeneral]

The United States government is doubling down on its commitment to safeguarding Ukrainian culture amid the Eastern European country’s ongoing war with Russia.

On September 19, U.S. officials announced a new $1 million grant to the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), which will use the funds to “support the next phase of a multiyear project to help Ukraine improve risk reduction and emergency management of its cultural heritage,” according to a statement. The grant is part of the U.S.’s $10.5 million commitment to Ukraine under the Ukraine Cultural Heritage Response Initiative, which was established in 2023 by the U.S. Department of State.

“Ukraine is fighting the Russian invasion on all fronts,” says Maksym Kovalenko, the Ukrainian consul general in Naples, Italy, in the statement. “The cultural front is no exception. The support of the international community provides us with an ability to respond to the challenges of war and, despite everything, to develop a long-term strategy for the preservation and restoration of our cultural heritage.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, UNESCO has verified damage to 438 Ukrainian cultural sites, including religious sites, buildings of historical or artistic interest, museums, monuments, libraries, and an archive. The agency previously said it was “gravely concerned” over threats to Ukrainian heritage.

Russian troops have removed “entire truckloads of artworks and historical artifacts” from Ukrainian museums, supposedly for “safekeeping,” reports Vitaly Shevchenko for BBC News. In some museums in Russian-occupied Ukraine, Russian troops have removed exhibitions and replaced them with propaganda glorifying the war.

In a 2023 essay for Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large Richard Kurin wrote, “These attacks are not just random, nor do they represent collateral damage. Rather, they suggest a targeted attack on Ukrainian history, culture and identity, a means toward [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s ends—the destruction is a deliberate attempt to obliterate Ukrainian history and culture.”

Hundreds of professionals associated with Ukrainian and international organizations—among them the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative—have been fighting the threat to Ukrainian heritage for the past two years. In some cases, cultural heritage workers have been able to smuggle important works of art out of Ukraine and display them elsewhere. Last year, for example, five precious artworks rescued from Kyiv’s Khanenko Museum went on view at the Louvre in Paris.

The $1 million grant—the second-largest awarded under the Ukraine Cultural Heritage Response Initiative to date—arrives on the heels of newly imposed emergency import restrictions aimed at fighting the illegal removal and sale of Ukrainian cultural artifacts. Those restrictions, which limit the types of Ukrainian cultural property that can enter the U.S., will be in place until 2029.

In addition to offering funds for cultural rescue initiatives, the U.S. announced more than $8 billion in military assistance to Ukraine on September 26, the day that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House. In total, Congress has appropriated $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, per the Council on Foreign Relations.

“Ukrainians are fighting for the human rights and freedoms we all cherish,” says Lee Satterfield, the U.S.’s acting under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs, in the statement. “And they are also fighting, in a very real sense, for their identity as a distinct and unique culture, which Vladimir Putin has denied—a denial he has used to falsely justify his brutal, full-scale invasion. [The $1 million] funding will support the heroic efforts of Ukrainians to protect and preserve their cultural heritage.”

[dewitty1]

You can buy Sirius Black’s Islington home now

Number 12, Grimmauld Place, ancestral home of Sirius Black, is up for sale. Okay, it’s a well-presented grade II-listed Georgian flat in Claremont Square, Pentonville, N1. 

The iconic address, HQ of the main resistance to the dark forces of Voldemort, was a filming location featuring in ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’, starring Daniel Radcliffe as Harry of course, and Gary Oldman as homeowner Sirius, and is available for £385,000. The light and airy leasehold first-floor period property boasts access to a rear garden, with studio, separate kitchen and bathroom, and is mid-terrace. Plus, if entry to Hogwarts is not available to you, then the Gower School and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School are virtually on your doorstep.

The wizardly pied-à-terre is also conveniently close to King’s Cross St Pancras station for when you need to catch the train from platform 9¾ (or hop on a Eurostar to Paris). It’s pretty minute, though, so probably not suitable for large pets or house elves.

More details

Edit-it was sold the minute it went on the market, that's how good the price is...

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Fake news: Harper Bazzar says that acquiring a house in Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club which is not true. by u/Human-Economics6894

Fake news: Harper Bazzar says that acquiring a house in Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club which is not true. I wasn't going to publish this, because it's fake news.But some might fall for it because it's published in Harper Bazzar, which is pro-MegsyThe link is for the Spanish versionhttps://https://ift.tt/NUqhyz0 couple has decided not to sever their ties with Europe by purchasing a house at Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxury complex of 300 seaside properties in Melides, south of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.It so happens that Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie's husband, works in the complex's Marketing and Sales department, and his relationship with Meghan and Harry is close. In fact, Eugenia and Jack are the only ones in the family who have visited the couple in California and remain especially close to them.https://ift.tt/Wg7RtQq what the Portugal News says is something elseThe link is for the Spanish version.https://ift.tt/QedGmgI Harry and Meghan Markle have bought a house in Portugal, according to the British newspaper Daily Mail.If the news is true, then the youngest son of Charles III follows in the footsteps of his cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who own a property in Melides.It is said that the house is in the Comporta area, but there is no concrete information about its location.In Portugal nobody knows anything about the matter. They are very clear that Paris Hilton bought in Comporta, and that Sharon Stone did, and it is very clear that the minimum price for a plot in the area is currently 3.4 million euros. But not a word from the Harkles.Be careful not to fall into the trap. Until now, the matter remains Eden gossip for which there is no evidence. post link: https://ift.tt/CdKRWX8 author: Human-Economics6894 submitted: October 17, 2024 at 06:48PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[beardedmrbean]

Five women say they were raped by former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed when they worked at the luxury London department store.

The BBC has heard testimony from more than 20 female ex-employees who say the billionaire, who died last year aged 94, sexually assaulted or raped them.

The documentary and podcast - Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods - gathered evidence that, during Fayed’s ownership, Harrods not only failed to intervene, but helped cover up abuse allegations.

Harrods’ current owners said they were “utterly appalled” by the allegations and that his victims had been failed - for which the store sincerely apologised.

“The spider’s web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark,” says barrister Bruce Drummond, from a legal team representing a number of the women.

Since this article was first published, more former Harrods employees have contacted the BBC saying Mohammed Al Fayed assaulted them.

Warning: this story contains details some may find distressing.

The incidents took place in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.

“I made it obvious that I didn't want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over,” says one of the women, who says Fayed raped her at his Park Lane apartment.

Another woman says she was a teenager when he raped her at the Mayfair address.

“Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever,” she says, adding that all the staff at Harrods were his “playthings”.

“We were all so scared. He actively cultivated fear. If he said ‘jump’ employees would ask ‘how high’.”

Fayed faced sexual assault claims while he was alive, but these allegations are of unprecedented scale and seriousness. The BBC believes many more women may have been assaulted.

'Fayed was vile'

Fayed's entrepreneurial career began on the streets of Alexandria, Egypt, where he hawked fizzy drinks to passers-by. But it was his marriage to the sister of a millionaire Saudi arms dealer that helped him forge new connections and build a business empire.

He moved to the UK in 1974 and was already a well-known public figure when he took over Harrods in 1985. In the 1990s and 2000s, he would regularly appear as a guest on prime-time TV chat and entertainment shows.

Meanwhile, Fayed - whose son Dodi was killed in a car crash alongside Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 - has become known to a new generation through the two most recent Netflix series of The Crown.

But the women we have spoken to say his portrayal as pleasant and gregarious was far from the truth.

“He was vile,” says one of the women, Sophia, who worked as his personal assistant from 1988 to 1991. She says he tried to rape her more than once.

“That makes me angry, people shouldn't remember him like that. It's not how he was.”

Some of the women waived, or partially waived, their right to anonymity to be filmed - and the BBC agreed not to use surnames. Others chose to remain anonymous. Put together, their testimonies reveal a pattern of predatory behaviour and sexual abuse by Fayed.

The Harrods owner would regularly tour the department store's vast sales floors and identify young female assistants he found attractive, who would then be promoted to work in his offices upstairs - former staff, male and female, told us.

The assaults would be carried out in Harrods’ offices, in Fayed's London apartment, or on foreign trips - often in Paris at the Ritz hotel, which he also owned, or his nearby Villa Windsor property.

At Harrods, other former staff members told us it was clear what was happening.

“We all watched each other walk through that door thinking, ‘you poor girl, it's you today’ and feeling utterly powerless to stop it,” Alice, not her real name, says.

'He raped me'

Rachel, not her real name, worked as a personal assistant in Harrods in the 1990s.

One night after work, she says she was called to his luxury apartment, in a large block on Park Lane overlooking London's Hyde Park. The building was protected by security staff and had an on-site office staffed by Harrods employees.

Rachel says Fayed asked her to sit on his bed and then put his hand on her leg, making it clear what he wanted.

“I remember feeling his body on me, the weight of him. Just hearing him make these noises. And… just going somewhere else in my head.

“He raped me.”

The BBC has spoken to 13 women who say Fayed sexually assaulted them at 60 Park Lane. Four of them, including Rachel, say they were raped.

Sophia, who says she was sexually assaulted, described the whole situation as an inescapable nightmare.

“I couldn't leave. I didn’t have a [family] home to go back to, I had to pay rent,” she says. “I knew I had to go through this and I didn’t want to. It was horrible and my head was scrambled.”

Gemma, who worked as one of Fayed’s personal assistants between 2007-09, says his behaviour became more frightening during work trips abroad.

She says it culminated in her being raped at Villa Windsor in Paris's Bois de Boulogne - a former home, post-abdication, of King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.

Gemma says she woke up startled in her bedroom. Fayed was next to her bed wearing just a silk dressing gown. He then tried to get into bed with her.

“I told him, ‘no, I don't want you to’. And he proceeded to just keep trying to get in the bed, at which point he was kind of on top of me and [I] really couldn't move anywhere.

“I was kind of face down on the bed and he just pressed himself on me.”

She says after Fayed raped her she cried, while he got up and told her aggressively to wash herself with Dettol.

“Obviously he wanted me to erase any trace of him being anywhere near me,” she explains.

Eight other women have also told us they were sexually assaulted by Fayed at his properties in Paris. Five women described the assaults as an attempted rape.

'Open secret'

“The abuse of women, I was aware of it when I was on the shop floor," says Tony Leeming, a Harrods department manager from 1994 to 2004. It “wasn't even a secret”, recalls Mr Leeming, who says he did not know about more serious allegations of assault or rape.

"And I think if I knew, everybody knew. Anyone who says they didn't are lying, I'm sorry".

Mr Leeming's testimony is backed up by former members of Fayed's security team.

“We were aware that he had this very strong interest in young girls,” says Eamon Coyle, who joined Harrods in 1979 as a store detective, then became deputy director of security from 1989-95.

Meanwhile Steve, who does not want us to use his surname, worked for the billionaire between 1994-95. He told us that security staff “did know that certain things were happening to certain female employees at Harrods and Park Lane”.

Many of the women told us that when they began working directly for Fayed they underwent medicals - including invasive sexual health tests carried out by doctors.

This was presented as a perk, the women told us, but many did not see their own results - even though they were sent to Fayed.

“There is no benefit to anybody knowing what my sexual health is, unless you're planning to sleep with somebody, which I find quite chilling now,” says Katherine, who was an executive assistant in 2005.

'Culture of fear'

All the women we spoke to described having felt intimidated at work - which had made it difficult for them to speak out.

Sarah, not her real name, explained: “There was most definitely a culture of fear across the whole store - from the lowliest of the low, to the most senior person.”

Others told us they believed the phones in Harrods had been tapped - and that women had been scared of talking to each other about Fayed’s abuse, fearing they were being filmed by hidden cameras.

The ex-deputy director of security, Eamon Coyle, confirmed this - explaining how part of his job was to listen to tapes of recorded calls. Cameras that could record had also been installed throughout the store, he said, including in the executive suites.

“He [Fayed] bugged everybody that he wanted to bug.”

Harrods told the BBC in a statement these had been the actions of an individual “intent on abusing his power” which it condemned in the strongest terms.

It said: “The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.”

There were a number of attempts to expose Fayed before his death - notably by Vanity Fair in 1995 - with an article alleging racism, staff surveillance and sexual misconduct. This sparked a libel lawsuit.

Mohamed Al Fayed later agreed to drop the case as long as all the further evidence the magazine had gathered of his sexual misconduct in preparation for a trial was locked away. Fayed’s settlement was negotiated by a senior Harrods executive.

In 1997, ITV’s The Big Story reported further serious allegations including sexual harassment and groping - which is classed as sexual assault.

One of the women in the BBC investigation, Ellie, not her real name, was 15 in 2008 when she reported an assault to the police - an allegation that made headlines - but did not result in any charge.

In 2017, Channel 4’s Dispatches broadcast allegations of groping, assault and harassment, with one woman waiving her right to anonymity for the first time. It gave some women the courage to come forward - and was followed by a 2018 investigation on Channel 4 News.

But it is only now, with Mohamed Al Fayed having died last year, that many of the women have felt able to speak publicly about rape and attempted rape.

Cash and NDAs

The BBC documentary reveals that, as part of Gemma's settlement in 2009, she had to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), a legally-binding contract which ensures information remains confidential.

She says after she was raped, she contacted a lawyer who told Harrods she was leaving her job on the grounds of sexual harassment. Gemma says she did not feel able, at that time, to disclose the full extent and seriousness of Fayed's assaults.

Harrods agreed she could leave and it would pay a sum of money in exchange for her shredding all evidence and signing an NDA. Gemma says a member of Harrods’ HR team was present as the shredding took place.

The BBC has heard that women were threatened and intimidated by Harrods' then-director of security, John Macnamara, to stop them speaking out.

Fourteen of the women we spoke to recently brought civil claims against Harrods for damages. The shop's current owners, who are not asking women to sign NDAs, started settling these in July 2023.

It took Sophia and Harrods five years to reach an agreement. In her case, the store expressed regret but did not admit liability. Many more women are now considering legal action against Harrods.

[livingonthecotedazurrealestate]

Finding Your Dream Home: Paris Flats and Properties for Sale in France

France, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, continues to be a sought-after destination for property buyers. Whether you’re looking for a Paris flat for sale or considering other properties for sale in France, the country offers a wide range of options to suit different tastes and budgets.

Paris Flat for Sale: The Heart of French Living

Paris, often referred to as the "City of Light," is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Owning a flat in Paris is more than just acquiring property; it’s about embracing a lifestyle steeped in art, fashion, and cuisine. Whether you're searching for a cozy studio in Montmartre or a luxurious apartment on the Champs-Élysées, there are numerous Paris flats for sale that cater to different preferences.

Paris's real estate market is known for its stability and long-term value. The city’s central location and excellent transportation links make it a prime choice for both local and international buyers. Investing in a flat in Paris not only offers the allure of city living but also presents a sound investment opportunity in a globally recognized market.

Properties for Sale in France: A Diverse Market

Beyond Paris, properties for sale in France range from charming rural cottages to elegant villas along the French Riviera. The French property market is diverse, offering something for everyone, whether you prefer the tranquility of the countryside or the vibrancy of city life.

France’s appealing mortgage rates and strong rental market further enhance its attractiveness to buyers. Whether you’re looking to relocate, invest, or find a vacation home, the French real estate market provides endless opportunities to find your dream property.

[best30]

The Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower... Twice!

Key Takeaways

Victor Lustig was a notorious con artist who managed to sell the Eiffel Tower, not just once, but twice.

Lustig's schemes were characterized by his exceptional persuasive abilities and mastery of deception.

The Eiffel Tower scam has become the stuff of legend, captivating audiences for decades.

Lustig's audacious exploits highlight the power of manipulation and the allure of confidence tricks.

The story of the man who sold the Eiffel Tower serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gullibility and the importance of skepticism.

The Incredible Story of Victor Lustig

Victor Lustig was a famous con artist known for his tricks. He lived in Paris and pulled off many clever scams. His biggest scam was selling the Eiffel Tower twice.

The Notorious Con Artist Who Duped Paris

Lustig was amazing at being a con artist. He could fool people easily, making them give him their money. He often pretended to be someone important to get their trust.

One of his biggest tricks was the Eiffel Tower scam. In 1925, he told scrap metal dealers in Paris that the Eiffel Tower needed repairs. He convinced one dealer, André Poisson, to buy it for a lot of money. Victim Amount Paid Year André Poisson $225,000 1925 Another Unnamed Victim $70,000 1925

Lustig even sold the Eiffel Tower again to another scrap metal dealer for $70,000.

"Lustig's audacity and ingenuity knew no bounds. His ability to manipulate and deceive his victims was truly remarkable."

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Before he became known as "the man who sold the Eiffel Tower," Victor Lustig had a long history of crime. He was born in 1890 in what is now the Czech Republic. His early life was filled with legal troubles and the development of his skills as a con artist.

Lustig started getting into trouble as a teenager with small thefts and forgeries. As he got older, his skills in deception grew. He learned how to scam people with various tricks and lies.

One of his first big scams was pretending to be a Czech government official. He convinced hotel owners to pay him a "special tax." This success made him want to try even bigger scams.

He started making fake government documents and selling fake properties. This showed how skilled he was at making people believe what wasn't true.

Lustig's early life was filled with crime, including theft and forgery.

He got better at being a con artist by trying out different scams.

He even pretended to be a government official to get money from hotel owners.

Lustig's skills in tricking people made him famous. He planned bigger and more daring scams. This led him to his most famous trick: selling the Eiffel Tower.

The Audacious Eiffel Tower Scam

Victor Lustig, a skilled con artist, pulled off a daring scam by "selling" the Eiffel Tower twice. He used his charm and deep knowledge of people to trick Parisian businessmen and scrap metal dealers. This scheme left them completely fooled.

Selling the Iconic Landmark to Unsuspecting Buyers

Lustig pretended to be a French government official. He told buyers the Eiffel Tower needed repairs and was being sold for scrap metal. He showed fake documents and talked his way into getting two people to pay for the "rights" to the tower.

He pulled off the scam again a few months later, tricking another person. This amazing trick made Lustig famous as a top con artist in history.

The scam showed how good Lustig was at lying and how easy it was to trick his victims. They were blinded by their desire for quick money and a chance that seemed too good to be true. This scam teaches us about the power of persuasion and the need to think critically before making decisions. Key Aspects of the Eiffel Tower Scam Details Impersonation of a Government Official Lustig posed as a French government official to lend credibility to his claims. Forged Documents Lustig created forged documents to support his assertions about the Eiffel Tower's need for repair and sale. Persuasive Tactics Lustig's charming demeanor and keen understanding of human nature allowed him to convince buyers to part with their money. Repeated Execution Lustig successfully executed the scam twice, targeting different victims in the span of a few months.

The Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower... Twice!

Victor Lustig, a famous con artist, sold the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice. His story shows his amazing skill in tricking people. He became known as one of the most famous scammers ever.

In 1925, Lustig came up with a clever plan. He pretended to be a government official in Paris. He told wealthy scrap metal dealers that the Eiffel Tower needed repairs and was for sale. Amazingly, he convinced one dealer to pay a lot of money for the "rights" to the tower.

Lustig was so successful that he tried it again a few months later. He found new buyers and planned everything carefully. Once more, he convinced a wealthy Parisian to buy the Eiffel Tower, making off with the money.

Lustig's skill in tricking people and making the same scam work twice made him a legend. His stories, especially about the Eiffel Tower, have amazed people for years. He is seen as one of the top con artists in history.

"Lustig's ability to manipulate his targets, exploit their greed and gullibility, and repeatedly pull off the same audacious scheme, cemented his reputation as one of the greatest con artists of all time."

Victim Date Amount Paid Unsuspecting Scrap Metal Dealer 1925 $2,000 Different Scrap Metal Dealer 1925 $2,500

Mastery of Deception and Persuasion

Victor Lustig was a top artist in the world of deception and persuasion. He knew how to trick people by understanding their weaknesses. His confidence tricks were so good, they fooled many.

The Art of the Con: Lustig's Techniques

Lustig was great at making people trust him. He would pretend to be someone important, like a government official. This made his victims more likely to believe him.

He also knew how to make people act fast. By making things seem urgent, he could get them to make quick decisions. This was a big part of his trickery. Deception Technique Description Building Trust Lustig would impersonate government officials or other authoritative figures to establish credibility with his victims. Creating Urgency Lustig would manipulate the timing and circumstances of his schemes to compel victims to act quickly, before they could thoroughly consider the consequences. Exploiting Vulnerabilities Lustig had a deep understanding of human psychology and knew how to exploit the weaknesses and desires of his targets.

Victor Lustig's skills in deception techniques and persuasion tactics made his confidence tricks very successful. He became one of the most famous con artists in history.

The Aftermath and Eventual Capture

The aftermath of Victor Lustig's bold Eiffel Tower scam was captivating. His scheme left victims feeling shocked and doubting humanity. Law enforcement worked hard to catch him, driven by a strong desire for justice.

Victims were initially shy to report being tricked. But as the investigation grew, more people came forward. They shared their stories of being fooled by Lustig. This showed the wide impact of his fraud.

Lustig was hard to catch because he was so good at hiding. He changed his identity and covered his tracks well. But, his skills weren't enough to stop the authorities in the end.

"Lustig's capture was a monumental victory for law enforcement, a testament to the persistence and ingenuity needed to bring down a master of deception."

The Eiffel Tower scam taught us a lot. It showed the dangers of greed and the need to stay alert against clever frauds. These lessons will help law enforcement fight white-collar crimes better in the future.

The aftermath of Lustig's Eiffel Tower scam left his victims feeling betrayed and embarrassed.

Law enforcement agencies launched a relentless pursuit to track down the notorious con artist.

Lustig's ability to evade capture for an extended period was a testament to his mastery of deception.

When Lustig was finally apprehended, he faced severe consequences, including charges of fraud and grand larceny.

The Eiffel Tower scam and Lustig's capture served as a lesson in the importance of vigilance against sophisticated con artists.

The Legacy of Victor Lustig

Victor Lustig is known as one of history's most famous con artists. His bold Eiffel Tower scam made him a legend. He sold the iconic landmark to people who didn't know any better. This act showed his skill as a trickster and showman.

Over time, people have become more interested in Lustig's stories. His life has been told and retold, making him a legend in con artistry. His name is linked with trickery and convincing others.

Infamous Trickster or Genius Showman?

There's a big debate about whether Victor Lustig was an infamous trickster or a genius showman. He was amazing at tricking people, but what he did and why is still up for discussion.

Some see him as a master of his craft, a great performer who loved to outwit and entertain. Others believe he was a ruthless con artist. He took advantage of people's trust, causing harm to many. Perspective Key Points Genius Showman

Extraordinary talent for deception and persuasion

Captivating performer who thrived on the thrill of the con

Admired for his audacity and creativity

Infamous Trickster

Exploited the vulnerability of his targets

Left a trail of financial and emotional devastation

Disregarded the ethical and legal implications of his actions

The legacy of Victor Lustig is complex and deep. It shows how captivating con artists can be. It also highlights the thin line between genius and infamy.

Lessons from the Life of a Con Artist

The story of Victor Lustig, the famous con artist who sold the Eiffel Tower, is fascinating. It teaches us valuable lessons. His life shows us the dangers of fraud and scams.

Lustig's success shows how important it is to think critically and be skeptical. He tricked people by making them believe his wild stories. This teaches us to be careful with unusual offers or deals.

Lustig's story also reveals why some people fall for scams. His victims wanted easy money and believed him easily. Knowing this can help us avoid scams in the future.

The life of Victor Lustig is a warning to us all. It tells us that being careful and thinking critically is key to avoiding fraud. By learning from others' mistakes, we can stay safe from con artists and scams.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." - Mark Twain

Lessons from Victor Lustig's Life Key Takeaways Importance of Critical Thinking Approach extraordinary claims and opportunities with a discerning eye to avoid falling victim to scams. Understanding Psychological Vulnerabilities Recognize the social and psychological factors that make people susceptible to con artists' tactics. Vigilance Against Fraud and Deception Develop the necessary skepticism and knowledge to protect oneself from the lure of scams.

Famous Scams and Swindles Throughout History

The story of Victor Lustig and his Eiffel Tower scam is fascinating. It's just one of many tales of confidence tricks and swindles from history. These scams have amazed people, showing how clever some con artists can be.

Exploring Other Audacious Cons and Confidence Tricks

The "Spanish Prisoner" scam is another classic confidence trick from the 16th century. The scammer said they had a rich Spanish nobleman in jail and needed money to free him. They promised the victim a big reward for their help.

Then there's the "Ponzi scheme," named after Charles Ponzi. He promised huge returns on investments, but it was all a lie. He paid earlier investors with money from new ones.

The "Salad Oil Swindle" of the 1960s is also a fascinating historical example. A company claimed to have lots of salad oil, using it to get big loans. But they didn't really have the oil, and the scam was exposed, causing a huge financial scandal. Famous Scam Perpetrator Year Description Spanish Prisoner Unknown 16th century Promising a reward for helping a Spanish nobleman in prison Ponzi Scheme Charles Ponzi 1920s Fraudulent investment scheme promising high returns Salad Oil Swindle American Soy Extraction 1960s Claiming to have vast stores of salad oil as collateral for loans

These historical examples of famous scams and swindles remind us of the clever tricks used by con artists over time. They help us understand the world of deception better. And they show why we're so interested in these stories.

The Psychology of Deception

Victor Lustig was a master con artist who deeply understood human psychology. He knew how to use this knowledge to his advantage. By studying the psychology of deception, we can see how he pulled off his amazing tricks.

Cognitive biases make us more likely to fall for scams. Con artists like Lustig use our need for patterns, our trust in authority, and our dislike of losing money to trick us. They also use our emotional weaknesses, like wanting quick money or fearing missing out, to make us more vulnerable.

The art of persuasion is key for con artists. Lustig was great at building trust and making things seem urgent. He also customized his approach to fit each person he met, making his scams very successful. Psychological Factor Exploitation by Con Artists Cognitive Biases Seeking patterns, trusting authority, aversion to losses Emotional Vulnerabilities Desire for quick riches, fear of missing out Persuasion Techniques Building trust, creating urgency, tailoring approach

Knowing what makes us vulnerable to scams helps us protect ourselves and others. Being aware is the first step in avoiding the tricks of con artists.

"The true con artist is a master of psychology, not just a good liar." - Dr. Maria Konnikova, author of "The Confidence Game"

The Eiffel Tower Scam in Pop Culture

The story of Victor Lustig's Eiffel Tower scam has made a big impact on popular culture. This clever con artist's story has inspired many in the film, book, and art worlds. His daring scheme has caught the public's eye, showing how much we love stories of trickery and the famous Eiffel Tower.

In movies, the Eiffel Tower scam has been shown in many films. Each movie gives a new take on Lustig's clever tricks and how he fooled people. These films have made the scam a key part of our culture, loved by people all over the world.

Books have also picked up on Lustig's story. Writers have explored the complex web of lies and what drove him to be a con artist. Their stories keep readers hooked with tales of masterful trickery and manipulation.

The Eiffel Tower scam has even influenced art, inspiring paintings, sculptures, and installations. These works of art celebrate Lustig's bold move and look at how such schemes affect us all.

Through pop culture, the Eiffel Tower scam has grown beyond its original story. It's now seen as a symbol of the con artist's charm and our fascination with crime and showmanship. Victor Lustig's story keeps drawing people in, proving the power of a good tale and the lasting appeal of the unbelievable.

"The con artist has a good story, and he's going to tell it to you, and it will be very, very convincing." - Neil Strauss, author of "The Game"

Medium Examples of Eiffel Tower Scam Depictions Film

"The Eiffel Tower Affair" (1960)

"Matchstick Men" (2003)

"Paris, Je T'Aime" (2006)

Literature

"The Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower" by Robert Barr (1889)

"The Eiffel Tower Incident" by Agatha Christie (1924)

"The Scam" by Frank W. Abagnale (1980)

Visual Arts

Painting: "The Eiffel Tower Scam" by Georges Seurat (1889)

Sculpture: "The Selling of the Eiffel Tower" by Auguste Rodin (1910)

Installation: "The Con Artist's Folly" by Banksy (2015)

Separating Fact from Fiction

The story of Victor Lustig and his bold Eiffel Tower scam has amazed people for many years. But, over time, the details of his story have mixed with myths and legends. This makes it hard to know what really happened. We'll look into the myths and legends about Lustig, check their historical accuracy, and see how the story has changed over time.

Exploring the Myths and Legends Surrounding Lustig

One common myth is that Lustig sold the Eiffel Tower twice. It's true he tricked a scrap metal dealer into buying the famous landmark once. But, there's no proof he did it again. Yet, this myth has stuck in popular culture and is often seen as true.

Another legend says Lustig could change his look easily, helping him pull off his big scams. While Lustig was indeed a clever con artist, his ability to change his appearance might have been made bigger than it really was. Myth Fact Lustig sold the Eiffel Tower twice He only successfully pulled off the scam once, not twice Lustig was a master of disguise While a skilled con artist, the extent of his chameleon-like abilities has been exaggerated

The Enduring Fascination with Con Artists

The stories of con artists like Victor Lustig have always caught our attention. They show us the world of con artists in a unique way. This interest comes from a mix of psychological, social, and cultural reasons.

Our curiosity about how their minds work is key. Con artists are experts at tricking us, using our weaknesses against us. Their stories teach us about the tricks of the mind and how we can be fooled.

Con artistry also has a big social impact. These scams can hurt people, communities, and even the economy. Their stories also inspire movies, books, and documentaries. This keeps us interested in their stories.

The lasting charm of con artists comes from their clever tricks. Their schemes show us the amazing things people can do, even if they're not good things. By learning about these people, we see how complex we are and how easily we can be tricked.

"The ultimate con artist is one who makes you believe the lie."

We keep being fascinated by con artists. They make us think about their psychology, impact, and influence on society.

Ethical Considerations and Legal Implications

The story of Victor Lustig and his Eiffel Tower scam is fascinating but also raises big ethical and legal questions. This part looks at the deeper effects of con artistry. It talks about the moral and societal impact of fraud. It also looks at the laws against fraud and how to protect victims and punish the wrongdoers.

Con artists like Lustig challenge the public's trust and can hurt individuals and groups. His clever trick hurt the trust people had in each other and in society's institutions. This loss of trust makes it hard for honest people and businesses to trust each other.

Legally, scams like the Eiffel Tower one are covered by many laws and rules. Governments and police work hard to stop con artists. They have strong laws to protect people, businesses, and everyone. Those caught can face big fines or even prison, showing how serious these crimes are.

FAQ

What was the Eiffel Tower scam executed by Victor Lustig?

Victor Lustig, a famous con artist, tricked people into buying the Eiffel Tower twice. He used his skills to deceive his targets and make this amazing scam work.

How did Victor Lustig's early life and criminal background contribute to his success as a con artist?

Before he became known for the Eiffel Tower scam, Victor Lustig had a long criminal history. His early life and experiences helped him become a skilled con artist.

What were the specific techniques and tactics that Victor Lustig employed to execute his Eiffel Tower scam?

Lustig was a master of deception. He used many techniques to trick his targets. He built trust, created urgency, and used human weaknesses to carry out his scams.

What were the consequences and aftermath of Victor Lustig's Eiffel Tower scams?

After the scams, Lustig's victims reacted, and law enforcement tried to catch him. He faced legal action. The investigation showed how his crimes affected people and institutions.

How has the story of Victor Lustig and the Eiffel Tower scam been represented in popular culture?

The story of Lustig has been told in movies, books, and media. It has made people think about con artists and their tricks. These stories keep people interested in Lustig and the world of con artistry.

What are the ethical and legal implications of con artistry, as exemplified by the Eiffel Tower scam?

The Eiffel Tower scam makes us think about right and wrong, and the law. It shows the need to protect victims and punish criminals. It also shows how complex and deep the issue of con artistry is.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Who would like their own 13th century hamlet about 125 mi. from Paris? It’s  990,000 €  $1.f080M

The priory is now the main house.

This is ancient.

It’s nice, though, isn’t it?

It’s actually a spacious open concept.

The stairs are kind of dicey, though.

The stable is very old and sagging.

Lovely cottage.

Look at the nice deck and picturesque building.

Pretty little lake by the barn.

What an idyllic property.

Like a fairy tale.

https://www.patrice-besse.co.uk/property-for-sale-France/pays-de-loire/priory-chapel-15th-century-perche-region/

[mozartbachtoven]

The 'Vatican Stradivari' - Tarisio

The 'Vatican Stradivari' - Tarisio

Known as the 'Vatican Stradivari, this decorated instrument by Nicolo Amati was recently sold through Tarisio Private Sales.

Originally made as a six string viol, this instrument was converted in the 19th century to a cello of modern proportions. The cello bears a repair inscription from Georges Chanot of Paris from 1863 and the painted garland, angels, sea creatures, fleur-de-lys, papal mitre and coat of arms presumably date from this same period.

The buyer is a philanthropist whose foundation loans fine instruments to up-and-coming young musicians.

More photos here 👇

https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/property/?ID=49233

[journeydb]

July 7 2022 Asheville NC and Denver CO

We visited The Biltmore Estate this morning, which is a major tourist attraction and resort in Asheville.  According to Wikipedia 

“Biltmore House (or Biltmore Mansion), the main residence, is a Châteauesque-style mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and is the largest privately owned house in the United States.  Still owned by George Vanderbilt's descendants, it remains one of the most prominent examples of Gilded Age mansions.

In the 1880s... George Washington Vanderbilt II began to make regular visits with his mother, Maria Louisa Kissam Vanderbilt, to the Asheville area. He loved the scenery and climate so much that he decided to build a summer house in the area, which he called his "little mountain escape". His older brothers and sisters had built luxurious summer houses in places such as Newport, Rhode Island, the Gold Coast of Long Island, and Hyde Park, New York.

Vanderbilt named his estate Biltmore, combining De Bilt (his ancestors' place of origin in the Netherlands) with more (mōr, Anglo-Saxon for "moor", an open, rolling land).  Vanderbilt bought nearly 700 parcels of land, including over 50 farms and at least five cemeteries; a portion of the estate was once the community of Shiloh.  A spokesperson for the estate said in 2017 that archives show much of the land "was in very poor condition, and many of the farmers and other landowners were glad to sell.”

Construction of the house began in 1889. In order to facilitate such a large project, a woodworking factory and brick kiln, which produced 32,000 bricks a day, were built onsite. A three-mile railroad spur was constructed to bring materials to the building site. Construction on the main house required the labor of about 1,000 workers and 60 stonemasons. Vanderbilt made extensive trips overseas during construction to purchase decor. He returned to North Carolina with thousands of furnishings for his newly built home, including tapestries, hundreds of carpets, prints, linens, and decorative objects, dating from the 15th century to the late 19th century. Among the few American-made items were the more practical oak drop-front desk, rocking chairs, a walnut grand piano, bronze candlesticks, and a wicker wastebasket.

George Vanderbilt opened his opulent estate on Christmas Eve of 1895 to family and friends from across the country, who were encouraged to enjoy leisure and country pursuits. The Gilded Age mansion reportedly cost $5 million (today's equivalent of $180 million) to construct. Guests to the estate over the years included novelists Edith Wharton and Henry James, ambassadors Joseph Hodges Choate and Larz Anderson, and U.S. presidents. George married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in 1898 in Paris, France. Their only child, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, was born at Biltmore in the Louis XV room in 1900, and grew up at the estate

Stressed by Congressional passage of income tax and the expensive maintenance of the estate, Vanderbilt initiated the sale of 87,000 acres to the federal government. After Vanderbilt's unexpected death in 1914 of complications from an emergency appendectomy, his widow completed the sale. She carried out her late husband's wish that the land remain pristine, and that property became the nucleus of the Pisgah National Forest.  Overwhelmed with running the large estate, Edith began consolidating her interests, selling Biltmore Estate Industries in 1917 and Biltmore Village in 1921. She intermittently occupied the house, living in an apartment created in the former Bachelors' Wing, until the marriage of her daughter Cornelia to John Francis Amherst Cecil in April 1924. The Cecils had two sons, who were born at Biltmore in the same room where their mother was born.

In an attempt to bolster the estate's finances during the Great Depression, Cornelia and her husband opened Biltmore to the public in March 1930 at the request of the City of Asheville, which hoped to revitalize the area with tou rism. Biltmore closed during World War II. In 1942, 62 paintings and 17 sculptures were moved to the estate by train from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. to protect them in the event of an attack on the United States. The Music Room on the first floor was never finished, so it was used for storage until 1944, when the possibility of an attack became more remote. 

After the Cecils divorced in 1934, Cornelia left the estate never to return, but John Cecil maintained his residence in the Bachelors' Wing until his death in 1954. Their eldest son, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil, occupied rooms in the wing until 1956. At that point Biltmore House ceased to be a family residence and was operated as a historic house museum.

Their younger son William A. V. Cecil, Sr. returned to the estate in the late 1950s and partnered with his brother to manage the estate's financial trouble. They worked to create the profitable and self-sustaining enterprise that their grandfather had envisioned. William Cecil inherited the estate upon the death of their mother, Cornelia, in 1976. His brother George Cecil inherited the more profitable dairy farm, which was spun off as Biltmore Farms.”

Down in the basement one of the most interesting things about the house museum was this display about the building of the mansion.

Some of the artwork on the walls, which was done by guests during a party, was amazing!

As a gardener, my favorite parts of the estate were the gardens and the greenhouse.

So, the question just begs to be asked.  What made the Vanderbilt family so exceedingly RICH?  Cornelius Vanderbilt came from a middle class family.  His father was a farmer but also started a shipping business.  Cornelius borrowed money from his father to start his first ventures in trading and ferrying, especially military troops and supplies.  From that success he build an empire in the railroad industry.  But was he TRULY a “self-made man” as so many industrialists were claimed to be?  Looking it the history during those years there were many other factors working in their favor. 

 According to the Grunge history website:

“After all, this was the Industrial Revolution; it wasn't really kind to the everyday worker. Low wages and horrific working conditions were just part of the era (via Legends of America). And that was true of the railroads, too; according to The Atlantic, the normal wage for a man working on the railroad was a pitiful 75 cents a day. That's next to nothing, especially compared to the millions in the pocket of the Vanderbilt family. It also feels like it lines up with something that Vanderbilt's son, William Henry Vanderbilt, said to the press: "The public be damned." They only really cared about their stockholders and investments,

Basically, the government wasn't really on the side of the working class; they definitely sided with corporations. As History explains, the government worked to keep foreign competition out of the picture, giving industrialists the chance to create monopolies while facing few consequences. (Honestly, maybe that's also because plenty of politicians were easily bribed, gladly helping out their friends with deepest pockets, making sure legislation favored big business over the everyday worker).

And even where rampant corruption wasn't involved, there was ignorance. Encyclopedia.com says that Cornelius Vanderbilt wasn't above manipulating the stock market as he saw fit, he and other business owners selling stocks at inflated and unwarranted prices, simply because the government regulation wasn't there to tell them to stop.”

And they also paid LITTLE TO NO TAXES!  Unfortunately, it sounds like not a lot has changed since the “Gilded Age”.  Yes, there are some regulations and controls on industry and corporations, but most of them aren’t strong enough to prevent monopolies and mistreatment of employees.  Just look at Amazon, Google and Meta (formerly Facebook).  And they are the biggest, but there are MANY other multi-national corporations monopolizing industries and union-busting so that they can maximize their profits.  That’s unbridled CAPITALISM for you, combined with political corruption, patriarchy, and GREED. The world has been plagued by this for centuries, if not millenia.  If you don’t believe me, read “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari.  It doesn’t have to be this way and many believe that a complete overhaul of the political and economic systems worldwide, as well as advancing feminism, would go a long way towards creating a truly egalitarian society.  I’m among those people. 

Bruce and I left North Carolina this afternoon to finish our vacation in Denver.  We realized that if we contracted COVID we would be stuck at the Omni with NO ROOM SERVICE and no ability to leave to get food.  Don’t ask me why that never occurred to us but seeing all those people not wearing masks was a wake up call and we hightailed it back to Colorado, where we checked into the Four Seasons Hotel, which has room service and is close enough to drive home at a moment’s notice.

[theirishaesthete]

A Pocket Mansion

Currently for sale, this miniature Tudorbethan house stands a short distance north-east from the site of Kiltanon, County Clare. A substantial property, the latter was built in the 1830s for the Molonys, an ancient Irish family, one of whom – John O’Molony, Roman Catholic Bishop of Limerick – followed James II to Paris where he helped to found the Irish College, in which he was buried following…