Rural postman Ferdinand Cheval threw stones in a caravan during his last caravan route . Le Palais idéal still stands in ruins in France , 100 years after it was finished in 1912 . The whimsical 110 acre palace is adorned in fanciful carvings resembling ostriches , elephants and bears .
Rural postman Ferdinand Cheval collected stones in a wheelbarrow during his 18-mile post route . Le Palais idéal still stands in Hauterives in France , 100 years after it was finished in 1912 . The whimsical 24 metre palace is adorned in fanciful statues resembling ostriches , elephants and bears .