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Origin and history

The castle of Borie-Petit, located in Champcevinel (Dordogne), has its origins in the 15th century, with major additions in the 17th century. Originally, it was a borie (fortified farm) dependent on the seigneury of Champcevinel, itself linked to the chapter of the cathedral of Périgueux. The building was girded with a reinforced enclosure of square schauguers on mâchicoulis, and defended by an entrance chestnut with guard corps. The main house, flanked by circular pepper towers, was restored in the 19th century, while a dovecoier dated 1661 and a 19th century tomb chapel complete the whole.

Acquired in 1533 by the Petit family, the castle passed in 1585 to the Cremoux by marriage with Claire Petit, daughter of the house. In the 19th century, the families of Abzac de La 12i then Chasteigner de La Rocheposay, who retained their property until at least 1954. The facades and roofs of the entrance poterne, with their scauguettes, are classified as historical monuments in 1974. Today, the site houses an equestrian centre, combining heritage and contemporary activity.

The architecture of the castle reflects its evolution: medieval defensive elements (tours, mâchicoulis, shooting holes) are alongside Renaissance additions and 19th century restorations. The dovecote of 1661, symbol of seigneurial law, and the neoclassical chapel (with re-used Gallo-Roman columns) illustrate this historical stratification. The entrance porch, vaulted with bricks, and the modern scalds to the west testify to the successive adaptations of the building.

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