Initial construction XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Medieval origin of house and moat.
XVIIe siècle
Architectural changes
Architectural changes XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Additions of facades and pavilions classic style.
9 septembre 1975
First MH protection
First MH protection 9 septembre 1975 (≈ 1975)
Registration facades, roofs, staircase and fireplace.
22 juin 1994
Second MH protection
Second MH protection 22 juin 1994 (≈ 1994)
Registration of moats and bridges.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs; stone staircase; large chimney (cad. D 303 to 305) : entry by order of 9 September 1975 ; Doves surrounding the house and the two bridges (Case D 186): inscription by order of 22 June 1994
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources don't mention any names.
Origin and history
The residence of Puy-Chenin, located in Xaintray in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is a historical monument dating back to the 12th and 17th centuries. This castle, surrounded by moat, adopts a quadrilateral plan and consists of a rectangular house body framed by outbuildings forming a court of honor. The seigneury of Puychenin was dependent on the Barony of Parthenay and constituted a rear-fief of Châteauneuf-en-Gâtine, stressing its importance in the feudal hierarchy of the local area.
The north façade of the house features a Greek front door, supported by two pilasters, while the south façade is flanked by two pavilions with pediment and acroater windows. The communes, located in U north of the house, house functional elements such as a bread oven and barns. These architectural features reflect stylistic developments between the Middle Ages and the modern era.
The Puy-Chenin house was protected under the Historical Monuments: the facades, roofs, a stone staircase and a large chimney were inscribed by order of 9 September 1975, while the moat and two bridges were protected on 22 June 1994. These measures reflect the heritage value of the site, both for its architecture and feudal history.
The location of the monument, although documented (7 B Chemin du Logis, 79220 Xaintray), is considered to have satisfactory a priori accuracy (note of 6/10). The site may offer services such as visits or rentals, but this information is not specified in available sources.
The castle illustrates the role of local seigneuries in the medieval and modern territorial organization. In Gâtine, a region marked by a rural economy and complex feudal networks, seigneurial houses such as Puy-Chenin served as administrative, military and residential centres. Their architecture was often evolving to reflect political and social changes, as evidenced by the 17th century additions.
The protected elements, such as moats and bridges, recall the defensive importance of these buildings in medieval times. The moat, typical of strong castles, was designed to deter attacks, while the bridges allowed controlled access. These remains are today valuable markers of the region's military and architectural history.
