Château

English translation

The text above is the record as published by the Ministère de la Culture, in French. The English below is a machine translation made by TreeAlive, not by the Ministère de la Culture; it has not been checked by a person. Where the two differ, the original is the record. Report a translation error: privacy@treealive.com

History

The château of Saint-Hilaire-sous-Charlieu was a residence or, at the very least, a property of the abbots of Charlieu. Its construction is assumed to date from the 14th century, the archives of the abbey having been burned during the Revolution, it is difficult to confirm. After the ravages of religious conflicts in the 16th century, it seems that the château was then in ruins. In 1635 nevertheless, it is acquired by perpetual emphyteusis by Jean-Baptiste Farjot, esquire, counsellor of the king, knight and captain of the watch of the city of Lyon with rights of justice and tithe. Although the brothers mention the difficulties of maintenance since 'the troubles' which had partially degraded it, the château described summarily at the time of the cession corresponds to what it is today. After the death of Jean-Baptiste Farjot, the estate becomes the property of the Dubec lords of Lamothe who retained it until 1768. On 18 November of that same year, it is acquired by André Alex, notary at Charlieu. The families change name but no break by sale is recorded up to the present day. Nevertheless, during the succession proceedings the archives of the building disappear. A vast campaign of restoration seems to have taken place in the 19th century to modernize this dwelling, the works are not documented. The current owner has been undertaking maintenance works with the Fondation de Patrimoine for years, his aim is the recognition and protection of his château.

Description

The château of Saint-Hilaire-sous-Charlieu is located in the north of the main town of the commune. It consists of a rectangular main dwelling flanked by three towers and a chapel in its northern part. The towers are ornamental, with the exception of the south-west tower. The whole occupies a circular plot surrounded by water-filled moats. The former drawbridge has been transformed into a footbridge to access the entrance gate. Inside, 19th-century décor and woodwork neighbour the registered 18th-century salon. A particularly interesting painting occupies the overmantel of the fireplace in the dining room: an original or a faithful copy of an allegory of Vices and Virtues by Martens de Vos (1532-1603). Outbuildings to the south of the plot are very late constructions, one of which serves as a dwelling, and a similarly late dovecote is located to the north of the château.