Construction of the castle 1553 (≈ 1553)
Original castle today disappeared.
2 janvier 1976
Ranking of pigeon tree
Ranking of pigeon tree 2 janvier 1976 (≈ 1976)
Registration of facades and roofs.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs of the pigeon-house (Case A 1393): inscription by order of 2 January 1976
Origin and history
The property of the Ascanne Tower, located in Saint-Ouen-Marchefroy (Eure-et-Loir), is an architectural complex of the sixteenth century. Originally, it included a castle built in 1553, surrounded by gardens, communes, presses and a dovecote. Today, only the ancient communes arranged in quadrilateral around a large courtyard, as well as a central turret and a cylindrical dovecote, the latter now serving as an entrance hall to the southern building, connected by a gallery.
The estate illustrates the typical organization of the seigneurial properties of the Renaissance, where agricultural buildings and storage spaces (such as the dovecote) were structured around a central courtyard. The dovecote, an emblematic element, was classified by decree of 2 January 1976 for its facades and roofs, highlighting its heritage importance.
The property, now owned by a private company, preserves traces of its aristocratic past through its architectural structures. Although the original castle has disappeared, the communes and the dovecote still bear witness to the opulence and spatial organization characteristic of the 16th century rural estates in the Centre-Val de Loire.
The location of the property, in the department of Eure-et-Loir, places this monument in an area marked by a strong presence of castles and agricultural estates linked to the aristocracy and the Earth bourgeoisie of the Renaissance. These groups played a major economic and social role, serving as both residences and surrounding land management centres.
Available information indicates that the property could accommodate contemporary activities such as visits or rentals, although these uses are not detailed in the sources. Its state of conservation and its openness to the public remain partially documented, leaving a part of mystery around this historic place.
The accuracy of its location is considered satisfactory (note 7/10), and its official address, 100 L'Ascanne, allows it to be located with relative accuracy. This monument remains a representative example of the French rural heritage of the modern period, combining agricultural functionality and architectural aesthetics.
