Château du Fresne

English translation

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History

Known from the 15th century onwards, the land of Frêne changed hands frequently. No doubt due to the proximity of Moulins, the owners were always, under the Ancien Régime, holders of fairly important charges or offices (royal or ducal officers...). The nature and layout of the buildings in the medieval period are unknown, but they were certainly quite modest. In the 17th century an elegant main dwelling in bricks was built, according to the fashion of that period in Bourbonnais, accompanied by pavilions and towers. It was enlarged in the 19th century and embellished with carefully executed interior fittings.

Description

The main dwelling of rectangular plan in polychrome bricks is accompanied by several towers and pavilions. On the park side, the north-east and south-east corners are flanked by a round tower. The façade is preceded by an external staircase leading to a terrace-balcony. On the courtyard side, various building blocks are adjoined, thus constituting two sorts of return wings: the pavilions and the isolated towers of the 17th century were connected in the 19th century by other building blocks. The narrow square staircase tower adjoined to the main dwelling also serves as a bell tower. The long wing of outbuildings is also built in polychrome bricks. Inside, the drawing room is furnished with a Neo-Renaissance painted décor.