George Lucas buys Provence chateau
Star Wars director purchases 115 ha estate & vineyards
George Lucas joins the ranks of the rich and famous with properties in Provence this week, as he becomes the new owner of Château Margüi, near Barjols.
Lucas's new chateau and estate is located just a short distance from Chateau Miraval, owned by Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, making this corner of the Var a bit of a celebrity hot spot.
Pitt & Jolie are apparently not going to be selling their estate, contrary to initial reports that it may be going back on the market. Chateau Miraval was sold to the couple for $60 million, but what George Lucas has paid for his new Chateau has not been made public.
So what attracted the Star Wars director to buy Château Margüi? It could be something to do with the fact that it boasts 1500m2 of living accommodation, including an 18th century Bastide and adjoining Roman chapel, set in 115 hectares of land. Or the olive groves that produce extra virgin organic olive oil, but most likely is its award winning, organic vineyards, which have been producing grapes since Roman times.
Château Margüi becomes the second purchase for 'Skywalker Vineyards', Lucas's winery business. The first estate, christened 'Skywalker Ranch', produced its first batch of wine back in in 2002 in Marin County in the US.
An announcement on their website, states that "Skywalker Vineyards is pleased to announce the addition of Château Margüi, an estate winery in the heart of Provence, to the Skywalker portfolio. This Estate, which dates back to Roman times, embodies the Skywalker philosophy of land stewardship, respect for terroir, and an unrivaled wine experience. Château Margui wines enhance the Skywalker portfolio, which now includes the French classics: Vin Blanc and Rosé."
