Polish builders have demolished an 18th Century chateau in French Bordeaux belonging to a Russian businessman, apparently by mistake, reported The BBC. Mr Stroskin, who runs an import business in Warsaw, Poland, was shocked, when he heard about mistake, as had only ordered them to knock down an adjacent outhouse.

The local mayor in the nearby French village of Yvrac and residents are said to be furious. The original 13 thousand square meters chateau, which featured grand horseshoe steps and a once palatial ballroom, was previously hired out for wedding receptions and functions.

"The Chateau de Bellevue was Yvrac's pride and joy, the whole village is in shock," former owner Juliette Marmie told Associated Press. "How can this construction firm make such a mistake?"

The businessman said he understood the anger among local residents in the town of Yvrac, but said he will not be prosecuting the builders for their appalling mistake. "The damage has been done," he added.

He has vowed to "rebuild an identical Bellevue" including the chateau's grand hall, which could host up to 200 people. A Polish architect has already drawn up plans and local masons have received a 1.5 million-euro contract to rebuild the chateau over two years.