Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Villeconin, also known as Manoir des Ardenelles, found its origins at the end of the 14th century, when Gérard de Montaigu, close to King Charles V, acquired the estate in 1372 to make it a mansion. The latter, enriched by royal favors, married Biette de Cassinel, former mistress of Charles V, and transformed a simple farm into a seigneurial residence. Their son Jean de Montagu, born around 1350 or 1363, inherits the estate in 1391 and grows: he builds the guard room, digs the moats, and connects the castle to the dungeon of La Grange by an underground. He was appointed Superintendent of Finance under Charles VI, but was executed in 1409 by order of John without Fear, resulting in the confiscation of his property.

In the 16th century, the castle passed into the hands of the family of Cochevilet, which modernized it by removing the drawbridge and piercing windows to make it a recreational residence. Rachel de Cocheffilet, the owner's daughter, married Sully, while their descendant Charlotte Elizabeth married Rohan-Guémené's family. The estate changed hands several times: bought by Pierre Mérault in the 17th century, it was sold to the Ornaison, then to the Talaru. During the Revolution, the Marquis de Talaru was guillotined in 1794, and the castle, which had become a national one, was transformed into a farm.

In the 20th century, the manor house was included in the inventory of historical monuments in 1926, then bought in 1932 by Henry de Jouvencel, who began his restoration. Since 1973, the family of Longevialle, heiress of Jouvencel, has opened the castle to the public. Today, the estate retains medieval elements (doves, dungeon, tower) and Renaissance, while offering paid visits, especially during Heritage Days. The site remains a testimony of the architectural and social transformations over six centuries.

External links