Château de Jouhé

English translation

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History

First written mention of the fief of Jouhé in 1147. The buildings are arranged around a rectangular courtyard; to the north-east extends the main dwelling, while to the south of this building stands the keep; the other constructions are for common use. The origin of the main dwelling goes back to the 15th century; it was remodelled in the 17th century. The keep constitutes the major element of this ensemble. A narrow passage separates it from the main dwelling. Communication between the two buildings is possible by a drawbridge dating presumably from the early 20th century. The keep presents a rectangular plan; four storeys, including one of roof space, surmount the ground floor; the third storey is encircled by a machicolated parapet walk, interrupted by openings; on the crenellated parapet rests the roof from which emerges a large chimney. Internally, the storeys are served by a spiral staircase located in the north-west angle; the rooms are covered with vaults or wooden ceilings. The dating of the keep is uncertain: it may be a 15th-century building, remodelled in the early 17th century, or a 17th-century construction intentionally presenting archaisms.