Construction of the estate 1817-1818 (≈ 1818)
Master house built for a Breton merchant.
9 mars 2007
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 9 mars 2007 (≈ 2007)
Protection of facades, park and outbuildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades and roofs of the mill and the farm; the master's house, in its entirety; the garden, the park and the agricultural estate, in whole, with its fence wall (cad. AM 312 : mansion, 309 to 311, 314 to 319, 853 : garden and park, 860 : mill, 859 : farm, 855 to 858 : roads, 854, 1006 to 1008 : vineyards): inscription by decree of 9 March 2007
Key figures
Charles Durand - Suspected architect
Aura designed the master house.
Négociant breton - Domain sponsor
Fortune made in Cadiz, Breton origin.
Origin and history
The Domaine des Graves was built around 1817-1818 for a Breton merchant who flourished in Cadiz. The mansion, probably designed by architect Charles Durand, is inspired by the villa Bonaparte in Rome. It is distinguished by its park with basins, terraces and fence, while the wine section is distinct from it. The interior preserves typical elements of the Restoration, such as a living room decorated with draped wallpapers and marble fireplaces with moulded plaster mists.
The estate, classified as Historic Monument in 2007, includes the master house, a mill, a farm, as well as the garden and park in their entirety. The facades and roofs of the mill and farm, as well as the fence wall, are protected. The site, now shared between private and communal property, reflects the influence of international trade on local architecture in the early 19th century.
The location of the domain, at Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort in the Gard, is attested by approximate GPS coordinates, although the cartographic accuracy is considered poor. The estate illustrates the combination of architectural styles and agricultural and residential functions, characteristic of the large rural properties of the period.
