Man City owner Sheikh Mansour purchases stud farm in France in €28m deal

According to Ouest-France, the property, located in Normandy, was purchased through the Al Wathba Stud company, which Mansour also owns. On December 31, his lawyer, Edouard Vitry, confirmed the transaction. The grand 16-room chateau, situated in Neuvy-au-Houlme in the Orne region, boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Although older than the accompanying stud farm, the chateau underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2015, blending its historic charm with modern amenities.

The estate spans an impressive 240 hectares of land, comprising over 200 hectares of lush pastures designed for horses and 12 hectares of meticulously maintained parkland. It also features two additional luxury residences, La Haute Cote and La Belle Etoile, which enhance the estate’s grandeur. Furthermore, the property includes 23 supplementary dwellings to accommodate staff and visiting guests, reflecting its capacity to support high-end hospitality and equestrian activities.

At the heart of the estate lies Le Haras de Fresnay le Buffard, a legendary stud farm established in 1903. Over the decades, the farm has earned its reputation as a producer of champion racehorses and has been owned by several renowned breeders, including Marcel Boussac and Stavros Niarchos. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with Sheikh Mansour's passion for horse racing, further solidifying his presence in the global equestrian community.

Mansour’s latest purchase comes at a time when Manchester City is grappling with a challenging season. The club have faced criticism for inconsistent performances, and their focus is now on securing a top-four position in the Premier League with the title appearing increasingly out of reach. City’s next match against West Ham on Saturday offers an opportunity to turn their season around.