The castle, set on an undulating plain, is built in the heart of 24 ha of parklands, with deciduous trees over a hundred years old and gently sloping meadows. The castle’s main facade looks out over the surrounding countryside, giving an unobstructed view. Its origins date back to the 15th century. Miscellaneous outbuildings (approx. 880 m²) include a house, a caretaker’s cottage, a pavilion at the entrance to the parklands, a small farmhouse and a selection of farm sheds and barns as well as an old wash-house. All the buildings are laid out around parklands completely enclosed by walls, low walls and hedges. The property is crisscrossed with paths and driveways. The meadows are enclosed by natural hedges, thus creating typically French, “bocage” countryside

The castle

The main building was built in the 15th century by a man born into the Burgundian aristocracy. This patron of the arts commissioned this castle with its main facade, its two octagonal towers, its mullioned windows, its ogee doors, its monumental fireplaces and its steep slate roofs. In the 16th century, it underwent a significant transformation and in June 1595 welcomed Henri IV King of France and Navarra, following his Fontaine-Française victory. At the time the castle was a large main building with two panelled and gilded guard’s rooms, bedrooms and a chapel, of an exceptional size worthy of a castle, with painted vaults and wooden sculptures; the altar and furniture are still intact and present. The latter, dedicated to Saint Pierre, Saint Denis and Sainte Reine, was consecrated on 6 November 1610. In the 17th century, the property was sold to the first President of the Burgundy Parliament; he was succeeded by the Marchioness of Choiseul in 1740. The castle passed into other hands in the 18th century as a result of the marriage of the last of the Marchioness’ descendants. In 1844, the owner had major renovation works carried out, making use of architect, Charles-Suisse and sculptor, Schanosky. Both are references in the history of Burgundian architecture. The first directed the restoration of Dijon’s Saint-Bénigne Cathedral. The second is known for his restoration of Stephen Liégard’s castle and the sculptures of the “Romanesque house” in Rue-des-Forges. In the castle, he was notably responsible for the oak woodwork in the gallery, the first-floor bedrooms and the chapel. At the end of the 19th century, the paintings from Henri IV’s bedroom were renovated by the master, L-B-Vernachet. It is from this era that the current gilding dates, 14,200 sheets of bright yellow gold, green gold and platinum were used (hence the green bedroom nickname). Outside, the castle gardens and parklands were designed by Friant and Buhler, the latter having also worked on Stephen-Liégard’s chateau. It was therefore a well-known team that worked in the castle and gave it is current appearance.

Ground floor
The rooms throughout the castle are all painted, from the French ceilings to the walls. The wainscoting, the ceiling panelling, the door and window frames as well as the parquet flooring are also outstanding. The large ground floor lounges, with impressive period fireplaces, comprise character scenes. The walls are adorned with tracery and gilded letters, making reference to the Seigneurs of these premises.
First floor
A large gallery, almost 38 metres long, provides access to a row of carved doors alternating with large backed canvasses reflecting the exploits of the lords of the manor.