Originally the building was a brewery, when De Gaulle bought it in the 1930s, it was smaller and it had no running water or electricity. It was severely damaged in the Second World War (De Gaulle's property was forfeited by the Vichy Government). De Gaulle then enlarged it; you can see the different stones on the right part of the building, that is the new part. The tower, visible in the other picture, was also added. This area of France isn't popular, so you can buy a lot of house for the same money. He also wanted a large garden for his handicapped daughter Anne.