Construction of the marery 1850-1855 (≈ 1853)
Building erected by the Marquis de Talhouët-Roy.
1962
End of stud activity
End of stud activity 1962 (≈ 1962)
Last year of certified use.
2 novembre 2020
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 2 novembre 2020 (≈ 2020)
Protection of all buildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, all the buildings of the marery, of the haras of Malidor, i.e. the valet lodge, the mare boxes and the adjoining well, as delimited by a red line and a full/flat on the plan annexed to the decree and shown in the land register section AN on Parcel No.56: inscription by order of 2 November 2020
Key figures
Marquis de Talhouët-Roy - Owner and sponsor
The mare was built around 1850-1855.
Origin and history
The Marquis de Talhouët-Roy, owner of the Château du Lude, was built in the second half of the 19th century (circa 1850-1855). This building, designed for the breeding of chicken mares, adopts a radiating semicircular plane, a unique arrangement dictated by its function. Four boxes arranged in arc of circle surround a central lodge for the palefrenier, inspired by the concept of panoptics, allowing constant monitoring of animals with a minimum of movement. The materials used — tuffeau stone, bellows, bricks and lime-coated — reflect the local techniques of the time, while the contrast between red bricks and tuffeau, as well as classical elements, are part of the middle-century model farms.
The marerie is part of the development of horse racing and horse breeding in France, marked by initiatives such as the construction of the Longchamp racetrack in 1855. The Marquis de Talhouët-Roy applies to it the principles of rationality and health advocated by the treaties of rural architecture of the time, combining utility and aesthetics. The haras remained in operation until 1962, a remarkable longevity for this type of establishment, most of the private or national haras having been transformed or modernized since the end of the 19th century. The ensemble, including the valet lodge, the boxes and an adjoining well, has been listed in the Historic Monuments since November 2, 2020, highlighting its heritage interest.
The building also illustrates the architectural innovations associated with breeding, with an optimised spatial organization for night and day monitoring of mares, crucial during bets. The use of windows oriented towards each box and a central apse for the palefrenier testifies to a thorough reflection on the efficiency of the work. The materials and style, typical of the Lude region, make it a representative example of the model rural constructions of the era, mixing local tradition and modern influences. Its state of conservation and its recent inscription make it a rare testimony of this pivotal period for equine breeding in France.
