Château de Sainte-Cécile d'Avès dans le Tarn

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Origin and history

The castle of Sainte-Cécile d'Avès is part of the history of a hamlet born around the church of Sainte-Cécile, where the inhabitants lived from market gardening and strawberry cultures. It was only in the 17th century that a first house was built, gradually enlarged to become a prosperous winery. The plans of 1828 already reveal agricultural buildings, a dovecote and vineyards, reflecting the economic activity of the place.

In the 19th century, the Baljalade family marked the height of the estate. Auguste Baljalade, after having inherited the land, had three large cellars built in 1880 and financed the reconstruction of the church. His son, Jean-Joseph, continued the activity before selling the castle to the Ordioni, who added a terrace. The Avery family, the current owner, renovated the site in 2007 to make it a welcoming place, putting an end to its winemaking vocation.

Architecturally, the Baroque castle is distinguished by its stone and brick facade, semicircular pediment and adorned interiors (mosaic, glass with AB initials). The estate also includes two cellars and two dovecotes, witnesses to its agricultural past. Today, it combines historical heritage and contemporary use, far from its wine-growing origins.

The site consists in reality of two buildings: the old house, to the west, and the present baroque castle, 27 meters long, organized in U with a central body and two pavilions. The south facade, more worked, contrasts with the sober north facade facing the old wine buildings. Inside, the suspended stairway and the reception rooms recall the baljalade's fascist.

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