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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The domain of Vert-Mont, originally called "domain des Fossés", was created between 1855 and 1858 by Gustave d'Eichthal (1804-1886), Hellenist and ethnologist, from detached lands of the domain of Bois-Préau. A first dwelling, built around 1858, was damaged by a fire in 1870. The site preserves a terrace from the consular period, designed by Louis-Martin Berthault for Empress Josephine.

In 1898, American financier Edward Tuck (1842-1938) acquired the estate and renamed it Vert-Mont. He had the present castle rebuilt, in neo-Louis XVI style, between 1900 and 1910, adding a winter garden and a bathroom decorated with Venetian earthenware. The park, redesigned by Tuck, includes stables, an orangery and an electric factory, now transformed into a guardhouse.

During World War II, the estate was occupied successively by the Germans, the Americans and the British, suffering damage estimated at 72% by the latter. In 1954, it was sold to a real estate civil society, then transferred in 1990 to the Tuck Foundation, linked to the IFP Energies nouvelles, to promote Franco-American cooperation in scientific fields.

The estate's park has been listed as a historical monument since 1994 and labeled a 20th century heritage. The castle, partially restored, now houses research and teaching activities, in accordance with Edward Tuck's wishes.

The Tuck Foundation, which is recognised as being of public utility, supports educational and scientific projects, particularly in hydrocarbons and the environment. It is administered by a board of twelve members, including representatives of IFP Energies nouvelles and French ministries.

The estate, reduced to 6 hectares, remains an architectural and historical testimony of the early twentieth century, mixing imperial heritage and American influence, in the heart of Rueil-Malmaison, near the castles of Malmaison and Bois-Préau.

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