Origin of domain XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
First traces of the estate, unspecified.
1515
Purchased by François Ardoin
Purchased by François Ardoin 1515 (≈ 1515)
Restaurant promised at Fontaine-le-Comte Abbey.
1640-1686
Construction of the current house
Construction of the current house 1640-1686 (≈ 1663)
Period of main construction of the central body.
1920-1925
Major works of the twentieth century
Major works of the twentieth century 1920-1925 (≈ 1923)
Modernisation of the skylights, porch, gallery and chapel.
8 mars 1991
Protection of the entrance flag
Protection of the entrance flag 8 mars 1991 (≈ 1991)
Inventory of Historical Monuments.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Entrance hall (Box AW 49): Registration by order of 8 March 1991
Key figures
François Ardoin - Owner in 1515
Buyer and restorer of the ruined estate.
Origin and history
The estate of the Pillars found its roots in the 13th century, but its documented history began in 1515, when François Ardoin acquired the abbey of Fontaine-le-Comte. The latter then undertook to restore the ruined buildings. The property, enlarged by its successive owners, saw its current home built between 1640 and 1686, reflecting the noble Poitevin architecture of the time: a central body framed by pavilions and round towers, opened on a courtyard closed by commons.
Between 1920 and 1925, the house underwent major changes: the skylights, the porch and the entrance were redesigned, a lateral pavilion was raised, and a south gallery was added. The chapel and the tower of the corner are also restored. These works modernize the monument while preserving its 17th century features, such as triangular pediments or curved doors. The estate is organised around a garden lined with ditches, where a column surmounted by a urn marks space.
Ranked among the noble houses built on the outskirts of Poitiers, the Logis des Piliers illustrates the way of life of the Poitevin aristocracy, with its appearances opening onto an ornamental garden. Its entrance pavilion has been protected since 1991, demonstrating its heritage value. The accuracy of its location is considered very satisfactory (note 8/10), and its official address (1 Rue des Chaumes) confirms its anchoring in the town of Fontaine-le-Comte.
