Former French chateau owners 'distraught' it was bulldozed 'by mistake' New Russian owner Dimistry Stroskin had been granted a permit to renovate the edifice, which was due to be restored to its former glory. On Friday, the town hall's general secretary, Lise Mattiazzo, confirmed that Mr Stroskin had only been given permission to renovate the chateau exterior, the domain's 16m swimming pool and to build a new pool house. Instead the main building was razed to the ground by a Polish building firm. All that is standing is a separate, small guesthouse on the grounds of the 14,000ft estate. It also transpires the building was likely of particular architectural importance as town hall officials believe it was designed by Victor Louis, a renowned 18th century architect who designed the Grand theatre of Bordeaux. According to local French newspaper Sud-Ouest, the chateau's owner was "in a state of shock" on learning of the catastrophic demolition job. He had intended to use the place as a holiday home and be "involved in local community life" when visiting. But he said he would not be prosecuting the builders as "the damage has been done." Locals, however, are furious at the loss of their local heritage and many believe it was more than a mistake.