Clutch of Chinese-bought chateaux are back on the market

(Decanter) - At least four Bordeaux estates that were sold to Chinese buyers over the past two years are back on the market.

Chateau Villepreux, which was announced as sold to the Chinese by the mayor of Beychac-et-Caillau in January 2013, and Chateau Grand Branet in Capian, which was sold to the Haichang Group in 2011, are both up for sale.

Another two estates back on the market are Chateau Baby in Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux and Chateau de Cugat in Blasimon, also believed to have been bought by the Haichang Group.

All four properties, plus several others believed to be owned by Chinese buyers, are being sold exclusively by local agent Bordeaux and Beyond.

Bordeaux and Beyond director Carol Young would not confirm that her client is the Haichang Group, the original sales were widely reported at the time. Haichang CEO Qu Naijie is notoriously publicity-averse.

‘The original owner bought the estates with the express intention of renovating them and putting them back on the market,’ Young told Decanter.com. ‘He has invested heavily in the vines and the cellars, and is now offering them with the option of a full Chinese management service, should the new buyers come from China.’