In a remarkably candid new interview, Angelina Jolie has revealed the emotional devastation behind one of her most difficult personal decisions - the sale of the French vineyard and family home she once shared with ex-husband Brad Pitt.
The Oscar-winning actress described the choice to part with Château Miraval as "painful" and something she never imagined would happen, speaking with Wall Street Journal about the property that once represented her family's dreams.
A Home That Held Their Dreams
Jolie reflected on the significance of the estate, which the couple purchased in 2008 and where they eventually married in 2014. The property wasn't just a financial investment, but a place where they envisioned watching their six children grow up together.
"It's a decision that was born from necessity, not desire," Jolie explained, her words heavy with emotion. "We bought that property for the family, and I thought we would be there for generations. Life had other plans."
The Bitter Aftermath of Separation
The sale of Château Miraval represents one of the final chapters in the couple's lengthy and often contentious divorce proceedings. Jolie's company, Nouvel, sold its stake in the estate to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of Stoli Group, in 2021.
This transaction sparked legal battles that continue to this day, with Pitt alleging that Jolie sold her share without his consent, violating an agreement they'd made. The ongoing litigation has added layers of complexity to what was already an emotionally charged situation.
Protecting Her Children Above All
Throughout the interview, Jolie emphasized that her primary concern has always been the wellbeing of their children - Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.
"When you're making decisions that affect your children's future, every choice carries weight," she shared. "Some decisions break your heart, but you make them because you believe they're necessary for your family's healing and protection."
The actress, now focusing on her work with humanitarian organizations and raising her children, appears to be looking toward the future while acknowledging the pain of letting go of the past.
