Trapped in time: Chateau left in the dark for a century on the wishes of obsessive owner finally reveals its splendour to the world

By MATT BLAKE
Last updated at 9:23 AM on 2nd March 2011

When wealthy French bachelor Louis Mantin demanded that nobody touch his lavish mansion for 100 years after his death, even the occupying German army paid heed.

The eccentric recluse, who died in 1905, wrote in his will that he wanted Maison Mantin, in Moulins, Central France, to be turned into a museum dedicated to himself and his gentlemanly lifestyle.

His vision was for visitors to experience his world a century on, uncorrupted by the passing of time. In doing so he ensured he was not forgotten.

Lavish: Louis Mantin wrote in his will that he wanted Maison Mantin to be turned into a museum to himself and his gentleman's lifestyle

Lavish: Louis Mantin wrote in his will that he wanted Maison Mantin, in Moulins, Central France, to be turned into a museum to himself and his gentleman's lifestyle

Louis Mantin, who died aged 54, had become obsessed with the passage of time

Mantin made his fortune in land and property but died unmarried and childless aged just 54 - eight years after construction of the opulent home was completed.

It had been built on the ruins of a 15th-century castle that had belonged to the Bourbon family who were later to become French royalty.

But what he had constructed incorporated the lastest technology including electricty, a flushing toilet and a cupboard which warmed towels in preparation for when you stepped out of the shower.

As a gentleman with money he was able to indulge in his interests such as art, natural history and archaeology. A mini museum within the building housed Monsieur Mantin's collection.

On his death its doors remained closed and rats and insects were given free reign within its dusty corridors and vast rooms.

Bedroom: The restoration began four years ago, with 30 experts painstakingly dusting banisters and polishing door knobs to return it to its original pristine state

Capsule: The result is a fascinating time-warp, with rich fin-de-siecle furnishings, archaeological knickknacks, skulls and even Masonic paraphernalia

Opulent: Tapestries adorn the walls beside a four-poster bed while the mantelpiece is amazingly intricate

But now thanks to a £2.9million refurbishment funded by local authorities, the mansion has been returned to its former glory.

Maud Leyoudec, assistant curator of Maison Mantin told CNN: 'Mantin was obsessed with the passing of time, and death.

'He wanted the house to remain unchanged, like a time-capsule for future generations, so they would know how a bourgeois gentleman lived at the turn of the 20th century.'

'There was woodworm and damp caused by the house not being heated, and many of the elaborate wall coverings were torn.

'There were insects everywhere in the house - it was really awful.'

Ms Leyoudec says the museum is totally unique because it is exactly as it was when he died.

The restoration began four years ago, with 30 experts painstakingly dusting banisters and polishing door knobs to return it to its original pristine state.

Oddly enough it is down to one of M. Mantin's descendants, Isabelle de Chavagnac, that the money was found for this to be done.

Under the terms of the will it would have come under her possession after 100 years, the BBC reported.

It was her declaration that she might do this which spurred the local authority into action.

Trinkets: There is also a collection of bizarre stuffed animals, such as the Battle of the Frogs, left, as well as some samples of the latest home technology including electric light fittings, right