When wealthy French bachelor Louis Mantin demanded that nobody touch his lavish mansion for 100 years after his death, even the occupying German army paid heed.

The eccentric recluse, who died in 1905, wrote in his will that he wanted Maison Mantin, in Moulins, Central France, to be turned into a museum dedicated to himself and his gentlemanly lifestyle.

His vision was for visitors to experience his world a century on, uncorrupted by the passing of time. In doing so he ensured he was not forgotten

Read more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maison_Mantin

http://theesotericcuriosa.blogspot.se/2011/03/honorary-esoteric-louis-mantin-19th.html#!/2011/03/honorary-esoteric-louis-mantin-19th.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361714/Time-capsule-home-opens-century-dark-Dying-wish-owner-obsessed-passing-time.html

http://www.whatsonningbo.com/news-2019-trapped-on-will-louis-mantin-reveals-maison-mantin-in-moulins-france-a-centaury-on.html

updated by @sophia-trefusis: 08 Jan 2017 11:55:30PM

There were insects everywhere in the house - it was really awful.' ;P

2.9 million to restore...not a bad dealconsidering the size of the estate. I wish someone had taken pictures of the "before and after" of the gardens and grounds that would be interesting to see.The fencing frogs are great! (poor froggies)

It is such a fascinating story! There was a documentary on TV about a year ago and I enjoyed it so much. The romantic story of Mssr Mantin and the love of his life Louise, who else lived in the Maison, is as lovely as the interiors. I hope that one day I will visit it =)

What a fascinating story, thank you for sharing!

While they say it was preserved as it was they didnt mention the insects or the dust :P

The frogs are like some weird version of Beatrix Potter stories. Not sure if I like them or not.Maybe both like and dislike. lol

You are welcome. I have heard of time capsules but a whole house?

It was just too fascinating not to share

What was the documentary called? I would love to see it. And the house too of course. I hope you are able to do this one day

I wonder what the mistress thought about his will?

The documentary is an French one, which was translated for the german TV. It is called "Das Geheimnis des Hauses Mantin" (The secret of the mansion Mantin). I found it on youtube, so you can watch it, but its in German:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ2Qny0wx-E

I love to watch it =)

This is amazing Sophia .... what a great story .... and the photos are incredible. I'm surprised it's in the 'good condition' that the pictures show as the rats and the insects were given 'run of the house' so to speak. It's wonderful that they didn't do that much damage. That one fireplace with the blue and yellow tile around the opening is gorgeous )