Norbert Fradin

Norbert Fradin is the current owner of the castle. He started his career as a real estate developper. Now at the age of 62 he's famous in the west of France for his deep passion of history. He's a collector of old stones whether it's greek columns or religious items - everything is kept in his private hotel in Bordeaux (which you can visit !). 

His love for History and architecture motivated him to purchase several castles and old houses to restore them to their old glory. He's wealthy and paying the taxes according to that - but instead of having villas in St-Barthelemy and houses in Switzerland, he'd decided to invest his money into Heritage's restoration. 

In 2000 he fell in awe with the castle of Villebois-Lavalette. He bought it and started working on the restoration. Indeed the castle wasn't in a really good shape despite two decades of work and renovation which started in 1980. He had invested millions in the castle and he still wants to do a lot more - the discovery of an old roman room under the castle motivated him further. Due to his schedule he gave the gestion of the castle to an association : The friends of the Castle and Heritage of Villebois-Lavalette. 

He also bought the castle of Edward of Woodstock the Black Prince and the Castle of Villandraut which belonged originally to the Pope Clement V. Everything is done to brought their glory back and one day give them back to society. 

He's currently working on a museum in Bordeaux. The theme is the Sea and the Navy. 

 https://www.museedelamerbordeaux.fr/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plMQr9NPD58