Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Villemolin, located on the town of Anthien in the Nièvre, has its origins in the 15th century in the form of a feudal motte surrounded by ditches and a "hostel fort". Traces of Roman pottery and cement suggest an ancient occupation, though not confirmed. In the 17th century, Aloph de Some, seigneur of Villemolin and knight of the Order of Saint Michael, undertook major restorations, especially on the towers of the East Wing, after the wars of Religion. The cannon fields and woodwork of the northeast tower date from this period.

In the 18th century, Pierre-Jean de Some enlarged the castle by adding the south wing and a terrace, while decorating the salons with Louis XVI woodwork. The French Revolution saved the estate thanks to the intervention of the local authorities in favour of Pierre-Jean, arrested and then released in 1795. The chapel, built in 1839 in a neo-Gothic style by Edmond de Some, houses a 17th-century classified pietà, offered by the Chartreux de la Chartreuse Sainte-Marie du Val Saint-Georges.

The 19th century marked a phase of neo-medieval and neo-Renaissance transformations under Joseph de Some, with the addition of mâchicoulis, a third tower, and the re-decoration of the vestibule. The English park, designed in 1838, and the communes (orangerie, stables, ice-mill) complete the whole. Since 1538, the castle has remained in the family of Some, transmitted by inheritance.

Partially listed as Historic Monuments (chapel in 1978, together in 2002), the castle has been visiting since 1976. It was used as a decor for the films Le Mystère de la chambre jaune and Le Parfum de la dame en noir in 2002. Its architecture blends medieval defensive elements, classical amenities, and romantic additions, reflecting nearly six centuries of history.

Successive owners, such as Étienne de Certains (XVIth century) or Aloph de Somes (XVIIth century), shaped the estate. The seigneury, originally divided between the families of La Corcelle, Champignolle and Bascoing, was unified under the certains from 1626. The castle thus illustrates the evolution of the architectural tastes and lifestyles of the Niverese aristocracy.

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