Château de l'Ébaupinay, Argentonnay, France

Château de l'Ébaupinay was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. By the late 15th century, the Lord of Vendel owned the castle and its estate. The structure was reportedly devastated by a fire in January 1794, possibly caused by the Grignon column. However, due to a lack of factual evidence (written or physical traces of the event), it could be a legend linked to the proximity of a battle where another castle in the region was indeed set ablaze.

According to Stéphane Berhault, a heritage architect, similar to other castles in the region, such as the Château de Glénay, the Château de l'Ébaupinay was simply dismantled. This dismantling involved removing roof framework elements and floors to recover materials, benefiting other constructions in the vicinity. The former interior coatings on the top floor still exist, contradicting the theory of a fire.

In the late 2010s, the Corbière family, owners since the 19th century, struggled to save l'Ébaupinay and its five hectares of land, later putting the property up for sale. The castle's purchase and restoration project became the subject of a crowdfunding campaign by Dartagnans. In 2024, the castle was put back on the market.

The castle, dating from the late Middle Ages, features late Gothic style. Its architecture is characterized by five elegant towers flanking a square dwelling with a roof pierced by triangular gabled dormers, which are still in place. The ensemble is topped with a chemin de ronde with machicolations. On the north and east sides of the castle, the moats are still filled with water. The courtyard, with its small guard towers and a dismantled gate, once housed the castle's outbuildings.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Nicolas Sorez (4 years ago)
Great castle, amazing story. Guided tour was very interesting and we learned a lot. Don’t forget to take water with ya during summer!

laurent isaure (6 years ago)
Proud to be a part of that amazing rebirth of the castle ..

Milk Tea (6 years ago)
I am a co-owner too. I am ecsatatic a huge collective of people around the world have come together to restore a battered castle back to pristine condition. I have never been to France but one day I will come visit.

Frank De Jong (6 years ago)
I am one of the owners of this chateau. A stong castel. It has to be build up inside.

JR Ellis (6 years ago)
Love being part of this project. Cant wait to start seeing a difference in the Castle grounds area and around it. Land scaping and brush cleanup. Will visit when I go to France. Would love tonsee a clear clean moat.

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