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Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Maur, also known as the castle of Argent, is built in the eighteenth century in the town of Argent-sur-Sauldre (Dear). Acquired in 1764 by Nicolas Dupré de Saint-Maur, then intendant of the generality of Bourges, it was designed by architect Victor Louis. Between 1765 and 1776, Dupré de Saint-Maur renovated the estate, demolishing the old outbuildings and towers to build stables, a barn and sheds, organized around an inner courtyard. A classical park, inspired by the principles of Duhamel du Monceau, is set up with alleyways, a vegetable garden and a factory called Temple of Bacchus, classified as a historical monument in 2002.

In 1776 Dupré de Saint-Maur, who became intendant of Bordeaux, modernized the house body by piercing a bay towards the Bourges road and ordered a wrought iron gate at Ramboy, a Parisian locksmith. After his departure, the gardens were partially redesigned in 1862 by Paul de Lavenne de Chulot for the Montbel family, heiress of the estate. In the 20th century, some outbuildings, bought by the commune, were destroyed between 1959 and 1974 because of their deterioration. Today, the castle houses the Museum of Old Trades, presenting 19th century rural and industrial objects.

The architecture of the castle, in the form of "U", opens towards the church of St Andrew. Its outbuildings, of sober style, use local materials (bricks, flint) with veneered or coated decors. The park, although redesigned, preserves traces of its original design, such as orangery and the Temple of Bacchus, attributed to Victor Louis. The latter, known for his work at the Bordelais theatre, would also have designed an inaboutious project to rebuild the castle in 1778. The gate of the court of honor, closed in 1778, and the commons still bear witness to the aesthetic and functional ambition of Dupré de Saint-Maur, influenced by physiocratic ideas.

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