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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château du Val, located in Saint-Just in Brittany, is a neo-Gothic building built between 1895 and 1900 by architect Henri Mellet. It is inspired by medieval manors, with an irregular plane, a rectangular central body and two protruding wings, complemented by a semi hors-oeuvre tower. The interior preserves its original distribution, mixing woodwork and decorative elements from the 18th and 19th centuries, including a fireplace with arms of the Halgouët.

The castle replaces a former mansion destroyed in the 19th century, which successively belonged to the Peschart families (17th century) and the Saoullaye (18th century). It was surrounded by moat and included a chapel. The current estate includes homogeneous outbuildings ( stables, kennel, laundry, sawmill) dating back to the same period, as well as a vegetable garden and a tennis locker, reflecting the modern aristocratic lifestyle of the time.

Ranked as a Historic Monument in 2007, Val Castle illustrates the late 19th century Breton Gothic Revival architecture, combining medieval aesthetics and contemporary comfort. Dependencies, such as stables or car-remission, highlight its role as a worldly residence, integrating activities such as hunting. Together, remarkably preserved, shows the desire to recreate an idealized seigneurial framework.

Interior woodwork, 18th century paintings and decorative elements could come from the old mansion. The stone fireplace, struck by the arms of the Halgouët (family sponsor around 1900), is inspired by the 15th century models. The site, although partially located (precision: 5/10), remains an emblematic example of the "modern" castles of the time, designed to combine prestige and functionality.

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