Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Maisonseule, located in Saint-Basile en Ardèche, is a building dating back to the 13th century with the construction of the dungeon of Saint Louis. This rectangular dungeon, measuring 12.60 m by 8.20 m, was initially used as a garrison and was crowned with a crenelated platform. In the 14th century, northern and eastern wings were added, including a tower known as the "Ombrettes" and a dovecote. The castle was then surrounded by walls in the 15th century, thus completing its defensive quadrilateral.

In the 16th century, the castle was transformed into a seigneurial residence under the impetus of the Sahune family, then Gruterie. Snake windows were opened, an oratory was set up, and the interiors were decorated with coats of arms and painted motifs. In 1624, a complete overhaul changed the stairs, doors, and bays, while the beams were decorated with roses and fleurs de lys. The castle then passed into the hands of several families, including Chevrier and Grollier, before being sold as a national good after the Revolution.

In the 19th century, Fr. Fustier founded an educational institution, giving birth to the Basilian congregation in 1822. After serving as a holiday settlement, the castle was acquired in 1992 by artist Yves Lecoq, who sold it in 2022 to Aymar Hénin to make it a luxury hotel. A fire in 2013 ravaged the dungeon roof, since restored according to traditional techniques. The facades and roofs of the castle have been listed as historical monuments since 1983.

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