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Origin and history

The Fort House of Loche is a 14th century medieval building in the town of Magland, Haute-Savoie. It originally belonged to the family of Loche, mentioned in 1358 as residing in a "fortis domus". In 1372, an act of accommodation concerning local pastures was signed between the inhabitants of Magland and the Chartreuse du Reposoir. This document attests to its administrative and social role from that time on.

Architecturally, the house presents itself as a "turn house" of 15.50 × 12.50 meters, divided inside by a split wall. Among its remarkable elements are a 1439 box ceiling in the large room on the first floor, as well as a fireplace decorated with the allied coat of arms of the families of Loche and Bellegarde. These details reflect his status as a seigneurial residence, while illustrating the craft techniques of the time.

In the 20th century, the building was converted into an inn, thus continuing in local life. Since 1994, it has been listed as a historical monument and now belongs to Magland municipality. The preservation of its medieval ceilings, openings and chimneys makes it a rare testimony of the noble Savoyard habitat. Its current location, facing the town hall on National Street, highlights its historic anchoring in the urban landscape.

The available sources, including the works of Henri Baud and Elizabeth Sirot, underline its importance in the study of medieval seigneurial habitat in Savoy. The fortified house of Loche thus embodies both an architectural heritage and a marker of the social history of Faucigny, an area marked by the influences of noble families and religious institutions such as the Chartreuse du Reposoir.

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