Construction of the castle années 1850 (≈ 1850)
Start of work by the family of La Bourdonnaye
21 avril 1992
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 21 avril 1992 (≈ 1992)
Protection of outstanding facades, roofs and interiors
2000
Sale and conversion
Sale and conversion 2000 (≈ 2000)
Transformation into 21 luxury apartments
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Façades and roofs of the castle and communes; staircase of honor and its cage inside the castle; rooms on the ground floor of the castle with their decoration; Caloriferous, still in working condition, in the basement (see Box B 206, 3221): entry by order of 21 April 1992
Key figures
Famille de La Bourdonnaye - Sponsors
Initial owners and construction instigators
François Léon Liberge - Owner
Architect associated with the construction of the castle
Origin and history
The castle of La Varenne is a castle built in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century, more precisely from the 1850s, under the impulse of the family of La Bourdonnaye. Originally located in the municipality of La Varenne (now integrated with Orée d'Anjou, Maine-et-Loire), it embodies the aristocratic residential architecture of this period, combining inherited defensive functions and modern comfort.
The building was listed as a historical monument in 1992, with a recognition of its facades, roofs, the honorary staircase, as well as interior rooms and a still functional calorifer. This classification protects a heritage representative of the social transformations of the 19th century, where castles become symbols of prestige rather than fortresses.
In 2000, the castle was sold to a real estate developer, marking a turning point in its use. It has since been divided into 21 luxury apartments (12 in the main body, 9 in outbuildings), illustrating a contemporary trend of converting historical monuments into high-end dwellings. The architect François Léon Liberge is mentioned as a masterpiece, although his exact role is not detailed in the sources.
Today, the castle of La Varenne is located at 63 Rue Émile Jeanneau, in an area whose location is considered satisfactory (note 7/10). Its present state reflects both its historical heritage and its adaptation to modern residential needs, while retaining protected elements as a testimony to its past.
