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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château du Rondon, located in Olivet in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a 17th century residence belonging to the Counts of Richeloup. Although its original structure was profoundly transformed in 1880, some architectural elements, such as the north facade with its terrace and double-flyed porch, still bear witness to its past prestige. The interior, now fitted out as a resting house, does not retain any ancient vestiges, with the exception of camaïeux reported in a living room and a carved wooden staircase style 1880. The park, the design of which is traditionally attributed to landscaper André Le Nôtre, extends gently to a river, bordered by a stone balustrade and two wrought iron grids adorned with the monogram "R".

The estate is distinguished by its balustrade, which has been listed as a Historical Monument since 1964, as well as by its two iron gates and its retaining wall overlooking the river. These elements, characteristic of the classical style, are embellished with stone balusters and dusters at the ends. The letter "R", on the grids, probably recalls the initial of the Counts of Richeloup, former owners. Although the allocation of the park to Le Nôtre remains an unconfirmed hypothesis by archives in the source text, its layout and landscape integration reflect the aesthetic principles of the seventeenth century, the period of initial construction of the castle.

The major changes of 1880 altered the original appearance of the castle, including the addition of a carved wooden staircase and the reorganization of interior spaces. Today, the site combines architectural heritage and contemporary function, serving as a home of rest while preserving remarkable heritage elements, such as balustrade and classified grids. The latter, with their arabesques and adorned pediment, illustrate the know-how of the 19th century artisans, a period of reshaping.

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