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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Mesnerie, also known as Château de la Desnerie, is located in the commune of La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, in the Loire-Atlantique department (Pays de la Loire region). Its origins date back at least to the end of the 14th century, although its oldest parts visible today mainly date from the 15th century. The site underwent major transformations in the 17th and 19th centuries, reflecting architectural changes and changes in owners over the centuries.

From the end of the 14th century, the estate belonged to the Leet family, which kept it until 1552, when it passed, by alliance in 1503, to the family of La Roche-Saint-André. A century and a half later, in 1699, a judicial sale transferred the property to Jean Charette. His granddaughter, Françoise Charette, married Jean-Marie de Trévelec in 1733, whose family undertook important work, including the addition of the west wing, designed by architect Jean-Baptiste Ceineray. In 1800, the castle entered by covenant into the family of Sesmaisons.

The castle is distinguished by several remarkable elements, including a medieval tower, a chapel with its altarpiece, and a large 18th-century living room decorated with woodwork. These features, combined with its facades and roofs, motivated its listing as historical monuments by order of 20 November 1985. The site thus retains an architectural and historical heritage representative of the eras that marked its construction and renovations.

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