Alexandre Dumas' Château de Monte-Cristo Needs a Miracle to Survive

The Château de Monte-Cristo, a home Alexandre Dumas called a "paradise on Earth", is in dire need of repair, estimated to cost as much as $1 million. In other words, a miracle.

Rising damp has caused substantial damage to the charming manor, the famed French writer named after one of his most popular novels, "The Count of Monte-Cristo". Setting up a new drainage system for the house built in 1844 is a top priority. All the windows in the mansion have to be replaced as well.

Le Château de Monte Cristo, demeure d'Alexandre Dumas. À visiter! pic.twitter.com/NKAU9eJUSI

— Le Paris Noir (@LeParisNoir) 23 февраля 2015

"It's imperative we save this architectural jewel for future generations," the château's director Frédérique Lurol told The Local. "We cannot just let it fall victim to old age."

The troubles don't end there. A smaller mansion, known as Château D'If, located nearby, is also in a state of decay.

Chateau de Monte Cristo pic.twitter.com/Z1DR7w09yr

— candela Rothschild (@Candelariadesol) 9 ноября 2014

Desperate for funds, the municipal association that runs the estate turned to crowdfunding. It need to raise five percent of the estimated cost of repairs ($50,000) to be eligible to receive the rest from the national Heritage Foundation. So far, it has only raised some $3,000.