Origin of manor house vers 1577 (≈ 1577)
Initial construction of the seigneurial mansion.
1805
Living room decor
Living room decor 1805 (≈ 1805)
Directed by Octave de Rochebrune.
1802-1811
Post-revolutionary reconstruction
Post-revolutionary reconstruction 1802-1811 (≈ 1807)
Castle rebuilt after the fire.
1844
Building the commons
Building the commons 1844 (≈ 1844)
Restoration of dependencies.
4e quart XVIIIe siècle
Major renovation
Major renovation 4e quart XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1887)
Castle rebuilt or redesigned.
3 février 1999
Registration MH
Registration MH 3 février 1999 (≈ 1999)
Partial protection of the castle.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fronts and roofs of the house, the wing in return and the tower; large living room with its decor; edicle of the neo-Renaissance pump (Box F 81, 496): inscription by order of 3 February 1999
Key figures
Alexandre Grelier du Fougeroux - Former owner
Historic owner of the castle.
Ernest Grelier du Fougeroux - Former owner
Heir of Alexander Grelier.
Octave de Rochebrune - Artist and owner
Aquafortist, decorator of the living room.
Origin and history
Château du Fougeroux is a building located in the commune of La Chapelle-Thémer, in Vendée (Pays de la Loire). Originally a seigneurial mansion dating back to the 16th century (circa 1577), it was thoroughly remodelled in the 4th quarter of the 18th century. This castle illustrates the architectural evolution of the aristocratic residences of the region, moving from a medieval structure to a residence more in line with the classic canons of modern times.
The monument suffered a fire during the French Revolution, requiring reconstruction between 1802 and 1811. The commons were rebuilt in 1844. In the 19th century, the castle became the property of Octave de Rochebrune, an aquafortist artist, who in 1805 made the decoration of the living room in the First Empire style. This decoration, as well as the facades and roofs of the house, have now been protected as historical monuments since 1999.
The Château du Fougeroux is also linked to the Grelier du Fougeroux family, including Alexandre and Ernest, who owned it before it went through an alliance in Octave de Rochebrune. These successions reflect the social and heritage dynamics of local elites in the 18th and 19th centuries. The building of the neo-Renaissance pump, as well as the wing in return and the tower, complete the architectural assembly included in the additional inventory.
