First entry XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Castle for the first time.
1860-1868
Major transformation
Major transformation 1860-1868 (≈ 1864)
Renovation by Hodé and Beignet.
13 octobre 2011
Registration MH
Registration MH 13 octobre 2011 (≈ 2011)
Classification of facades and structures.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The following elements composing the castle: the castle (facade and roofs), with the medieval interior structures, namely: the medieval structures of the northeast tower, the vaults of the two rooms located on the ground floor and on the first floor of the south-west pavilion, as well as the upper floors of the main house of the 15th century; outbuildings (facades and roofs), including the support wall perpendicular to the carriageway, but excluding the dwelling building of the Mulonnière farm; the pond floor, the garden wall and the ring mot; the pitch of the castle and the pond floor, and the ground of the plots corresponding to the rise of axial land, the perspectives of the park, the outbuildings, the high garden, the garden enclosure (cad. Champteussé-sur-Baconne A 282, 283, 292, 295, 296, 298, 300, 301, 303 to 306; Querré B 220-223): registration by order of 13 October 2011
Key figures
René Hodé - Architect
Transforms the castle (1860-1868).
Auguste Beignet - Architect
Collaborate on the renovation of the 19th century.
Origin and history
The Château de Vernée, also known as the Château de Verney, is a building situated on horseback in the communes of Champteussé-sur-Baconne and Chenillé-Champteussé, in the department of Maine-et-Loire. Mentioned in the 12th century, he underwent major transformations between 1860 and 1868 under the direction of architects René Hodé and Auguste Beignet. These works converted the castle into a modern hunting residence, while preserving medieval elements such as a tower, 15th century vaults, and an ancient structure.
The current structure incorporates dependencies of the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a 17th century pavement, reinforced by a rise of land. The site also includes a pond, a vegetable garden, and an annular motte, reflecting continued occupation since the Middle Ages. The castle, registered as a historical monument in 2011, protects its facades, roofs, and interior medieval structures, such as vaults and chimneys.
The 19th century amenities were designed to provide modern comfort while preserving the architectural heritage. The architects Hodé and Beignet marked this period with a careful order of dependencies and a harmonious integration of the ancient elements. The castle thus illustrates a transition between medieval defensive function and residential and cynegetic use of modern times.
