Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Castellan Castle, located in Saint-Martin-sur-Oust in Morbihan, finds its origins in the 14th century with the Castellan family, who owned it until 1589. A first castle was built on the site in 1589, but the current building, of classical style, was erected at the beginning of the eighteenth century, with a date of completion attested in 1732 by an inscription on the facade. The land then passed into the hands of the Carné families (early 17th), Borel de Bottemont, La Ruée (XVIIIth), and Potier de Courcy (since the 20th). The castle, which was listed as a historical monument in 1980 for its facades, roofs and interior decorations, is distinguished by its H-shaped plan and its carved skylights.

The architecture of the castle combines a body of rectangular houses flanked by two pavilions, surmounted by a coyal roof and a modillon cornice. In the east, the main facade, sober, has a central pediment dated from 1732, while in the west, seven curved skylights rhythmize the elevation. The communes, restored in 1979, now house a farm inn. The park, structured in terraces and alleys of lime trees, includes a central well and remains of an old pond. The chapel and greenhouse have disappeared, but the site retains a sundial of 1782.

The castle is linked to Breton noble history: mentioned as early as 1427 as "manor house and accommodation" belonging to Pierre de Castellan, it passes through successive alliances (Carné in 1589, Borel de Bottemont in 1811). Jehan de Castellan, quoted in 1464, appears there as a gunman with a suite of three people. The seigneury, rich in mills and land, illustrates the local power of these families. In the 18th century, the garden was laid out, and the commons, contemporaries of the house, were changed in the 19th century, as shown by the cadastre of 1825.

Since 2022, the château has been home to Castel的Art, a unique cultural project in Brittany offering immersive shows in the communes and a green theatre in the park. Visitors explore a family narrative combining childhood memories and local legends, while a tea room completes the summer offer (April to September). Although the castle itself does not visit, its park and outbuildings are accessible via a combined ticket including the performances and lounge.

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