Initial construction 1896 (≈ 1896)
Greek cross map by Percilly.
1906
Enlargement
Enlargement 1906 (≈ 1906)
Latin cross map by Martin.
26 novembre 1990
Registration MH
Registration MH 26 novembre 1990 (≈ 1990)
Protection of the castle and interior elements.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Castle, including the following interior elements: dining room with its woodwork decor and fireplace, fireplace of the living room, fireplace Empire of one bedroom, neo-18 fireplace of another bedroom with its rummage, the aviary and the two statues in the park (Box B 238, 239, 242): inscription by order of 26 November 1990
Key figures
Antoine Percilly - Architect
Designed the castle in 1896.
Docteur Bignon - Sponsor
Vichyssois doctor, initial owner.
Paul Martin - Architect
Enlarged the castle in 1906.
Origin and history
The Château de Puy-Vozelle is a composite-style building built in Espinasse-Vozelle, in the Allier department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Raised in 1896 by architect Antoine Percilly for Doctor Bignon, Vichyssois doctor, he adopted a Greek cross plan with an Italian coin. Its eclectic architecture, marked by curved arches, turrets and bell towers, is inspired by Russian mansions of the time, with interiors richly decorated with marbles, daonyx and mother-of-pearl. The castle dominates the plain of Espinasse, in a wooded site close to the road from Vichy to Gannat.
In 1906, architect Paul Martin enlarged the castle to give it a Latin cross plan, reinforcing its hybrid character between colonial palace and bourgeois residence. The building is surrounded by a park and houses remarkable elements such as aviary and statues. Its marble or onyx fireplaces, mother-of-pearl inlaid doors and carved woodwork testify to a luxury inspired by Russian aristocracy, rare in the region.
Puy-Vozelle Castle is listed as historical monuments by order of 26 November 1990. This protection covers both its exterior structure and specific interior elements, such as chimneys, dining room woodwork, and park statues. The site, located on the edge of the commune, remains a remarkable example of the architectural eclecticism of the late 19th century in Bourbonnais.
