Collapse of the arch wall 1787 (≈ 1787)
Court not closed as originally planned.
1787-1791
Construction of the castle
Construction of the castle 1787-1791 (≈ 1789)
Edited for M. De Lachapelle by Louis Victor.
8 août 1973
Partial classification
Partial classification 8 août 1973 (≈ 1973)
Fronts, roofs and interior decorations protected.
29 novembre 2013
Registration
Registration 29 novembre 2013 (≈ 2013)
Park, commons and water course registered.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fronts and roofs; arcades of the inner courtyard; the dining room, living room and vestibule with their decor (cad. A 529): classification by decree of 8 August 1973 - Unclassified parts of the castle and its close estate, built and unbuilt parts, including courtyards, commons, gates, fence walls and the park with its water course (cad. A 517 to 522, 524, 526, 529, 531, 1199 to 1212): registration by order of 29 November 2013
Key figures
M. De Lachapelle - Sponsor
Intendant of the generality of Auch.
Louis Victor - Architect assigned
Suspected author of the plans of the castle.
Origin and history
The estate of the Château de l'Hospital, located in Portets en Gironde, was built between 1787 and 1791 for M. De Lachapelle, intendant of the generality of Auch. Attributed to the architect Louis Victor or one of his students, this neoclassical castle is distinguished by its rectangular plan and adorned facades. The west facade, overlooking the park, features a central body in retreat, framed by two pavilions. Two committed ionic columns highlight the entrance door, surmounted by a loggia and a roof with the Italian bordered by balusters. The east facade, remodeled in the 19th century, has a triangular pediment and a central advance.
The building was originally to have a courtyard closed by an oval arch wall, which collapsed in 1787 before its completion. The protected elements include facades, roofs, arcades of the inner courtyard, as well as interior rooms such as the dining room and living room, classified since 1973. The estate, with its commons, park and water course, was partially listed in 2013. The architecture reflects the influence of Italian models and the elegance of the aristocratic houses of the late eighteenth century.
The castle illustrates the splendour of provincial intendants under the Ancien Régime, combining residential function and power representation. Its park, typical of late French gardens, and its outbuildings testify to a spatial organization designed for enjoyment and reception. The presence of preserved interior decorations (vestibulum, living room) reinforces its heritage value, linked to the art of living of Bordeaux elites before the Revolution.
