First written entry 1398 (≈ 1398)
Logis cited in texts.
1575-1576
Destruction during wars
Destruction during wars 1575-1576 (≈ 1576)
Piled and burned in religious conflicts.
1576
Authorization for fortification
Authorization for fortification 1576 (≈ 1576)
Henry III allows Champlay to strengthen.
21 décembre 1988
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 21 décembre 1988 (≈ 1988)
Official registration of the house.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Logis de Serveaux (Case C 359): entry by order of 21 December 1988
Key figures
François Ier Champlay - Owner in the 16th century
Obtained the right to strengthen in 1576.
Henri III - King of France
Allowed fortification in 1576.
Origin and history
The house of Serveaux, also called castle of Serveaux or Brain, is a 15th and 16th century building located in Nueil-les-Aubiers, in the Deux-Sèvres. Mentioned in 1398 in texts, he was looted and burned in 1575-1576 during the Wars of Religion. In 1576 François I Champlay obtained permission from Henri III to fortify him, adding enclosure towers and cannon guns.
The architecture combines a 15th century square dungeon, with a round tower and a square tower, with a Renaissance loggia decorated with doric columns. To the right, an ancient stone oratory closes the loggia. The interior preserves chimneys of the 15th and 16th centuries. The house was restored after the destruction of the Wars of Religion.
The monument has been listed in the Historical Monuments since December 21, 1988 for its home (cadastre C 359). It reflects the architectural transformations between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as the religious conflicts that marked the Poitou. Its exact address is 5066 Serveau, 79250 Nueil-les-Aubiers.
