Domaine du château de Bort (également sur commune de Rilhac-Rancon)

English translation

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History

The seigneury of Bort has been known since the 15th century. In the middle of the 16th century a noble repaire is mentioned. In the 19th century, the castle underwent major restoration and enlargement works in the neo-gothic style and for its agricultural activity. The old castle was increased with new constructions: round tower and octagonal pavilion at the extremities of the wings of the main dwelling; polygonal turret and projecting apse of the chapel on the east façade; crowning of the square pavilion situated at the north-east angle of the two wings; polygonal towers flanking the north façade framing a quadrangular pavilion and a tall staircase turret at the west extremity of this façade, all connected by a sort of covered gallery in terraced form; two polygonal turrets on the south façade; an arcade gallery on the west façade, surmounted by a forward body flanked by two turrets. The chapel is modified at the level of the chevet by the construction of a projecting choir whose foundations began in 1855. Mural paintings possibly dating from the 15th century are preserved on the walls of the nave. To this decoration is added that, polychrome, of the 19th century, attributed to the workshop of painter Louis Steinheil. The present castle resulted from the amputation, in 1959, of these 19th century additions. The building now consists of two wings at right angles built in granite. Two round towers, crowned with machicolations, flank the angles of each wing on the courtyard. A gallery animated by arcades rises on one level, in front of the west façade. The east façade is punctuated by an octagonal pavilion which occupies the south-east angle. The outbuildings, designed as a model farm, are situated to the north-west of the main dwelling. They are organized around two successive courtyards and consist of buildings intended for agricultural use, workshops, sheds, an orangery and a vegetable garden enclosed by walls. Pierre-Edmond Teisserenc de Bort had also installed a small free and mixed school on his property, situated along the north edge of the main avenue leading to the castle. The landscape park is typical of the 19th century. Five small gatehouse buildings rise at the different entrances to the estate.