Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Villers is a fortified house built in the 16th century (dendrochronological dating: 1531) on the hamlet of Villers, in the commune of Maisoncelle-et-Villers (Ardennes). Its massive rectangular plane is reinforced by three cylindrical corner turrets and a fifth central turret housing a screw staircase. A fourth turret, now disappeared, was initially completed together. The south façade, which was remodeled in 1741, reflects an expansion of the openings to improve comfort, while the north façade retains its original appearance.

Inside, the house body rests on vaulted cellars. The ground floor consists of two large rooms separated by a corridor leading to the staircase, with Louis XIII style fireplaces. The floor, adorned with Louis XIV fireplaces and French solives, reflects the 18th century redevelopments. A 17th century outbuilding, with a roof in the pavilion, remains in the farm yard. A low extension, built in 1913 in the same material, was joined to the castle.

Owned by the lords of Villers-devant-Raucourt, the castle belonged to the families of Tige (builders), Villelongue, d'Argy and Galopin. He suffered damage in 1622 by the troops of Ernst von Mansfeld and in 1641 by the Sedanese after the Battle of the Marfea, before being restored each time. Ranked a historic monument in 2000, it now houses a farm and a private residence, located below the hamlet (262 m above sea level).

Access is via a country road perpendicular to D 27, in a preserved rural setting. The protected elements include the entire castle and the location of the old moats, registered by order of 13 March 2000. The interior features, such as ceiling paintings and screw stairs, highlight the heritage quality of the site.

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