Former NBA star Tony Parker has made headlines once again, this time with his recent purchase of the historic Château de Jarnac, located near Cognac, France. This impressive acquisition reflects Parker's ambition to merge work and pleasure, as he seeks to launch his own cognac brand.
Parker, well-known not just for his basketball skills but also for his business acumen, has previously embarked on various projects. After acquiring unique assets like a yacht, he turned his attention to real estate, aiming to find the perfect château not only for living but also to serve as the foundation for his cognac venture. Valentin Kretz, the real estate agent, played a pivotal role by locating this remarkable property, which debuted on the early December episode of TMC’s 'L'Agence.'
The Château de Jarnac, dating back to the late 19th century, boasts 1,255 square meters of living space. With 13 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, the property is set within 2.57 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with its own swimming pool, tennis court, and even a private island. This stunning estate is currently listed at 3.05 million euros, a price some might find surprisingly reasonable considering its grandeur—though the cost of upkeep is likely substantial.
During his visit to the château, Parker experienced some initial hesitations, particularly concerning the small kitchen, which almost put the brakes on the tour. Fortunately, he discovered another kitchen situated in the basement, one he deemed worthy of five-star restaurants—a detail sure to please any gourmet chef he might employ.
While Parker may not be the most enthusiastic about traditional décor, especially older paintings, he found it easy to envision his own style within the château's opulent walls, already feeling at home. Of all the attractions the property offers, one feature captured his heart completely: the expansive terrace off one of the rooms, which overlooks the sprawling estate.
Adding to the allure of Château de Jarnac is its historical connection to the cognac industry. Previously owned by the Paul Ricard group, the estate's legacy includes the production of cognac on-site, offering Parker the perfect backdrop for his new brand.
Kretz has undoubtedly hit the jackpot with this sale, showcasing the property's potential to not only house Parker but also facilitate the growth of his cognac business.
By the end of the visit, under the spell of the château's charm, Parker indicated he would need to make several calls to gauge the extent of renovations required to tailor the château to his taste. Still, he left no doubt about his intent, expressing optimism about moving forward with the purchase.
Even before the paperwork was officially signed, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation—suggested by the decider’s ringing gong, signaling the excitement around the acquisition. Parker’s future at the Château de Jarnac seems set, with plans for renovation and transformation, promising to enrich both his personal and professional pursuits.
This latest venture aligns with Parker's evolution from athlete to entrepreneur, as he steps confidently onto the grounds of this historical estate, poised to create something special.
