Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The log house on 12 Rue de la Fontaine-Guimard in Confolens is an emblematic building of the late Middle Ages. It initially formed a unique architectural ensemble with its neighbour, sharing a common structure. Its facade is distinguished by three levels (ground floor, two floors) and one floor under attic, each in progressive retreat, except for the last where the separation is marked by the arrangement of the wooden panels. The latter, with a uniform width per floor, adopt a recurrent motif of Saint Andrew's cross framed by potlets, typical of medieval civil architecture.

The ground floor is characterized by a large rectangular bay and an entrance door, while the upper floors reveal a sophisticated constructive technique: two master beams support stumps delimiting the storeys. The house thus illustrates the know-how of medieval carpenters, combining functionality and geometric ornaments. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1973 for its facades and roofs, it bears witness to the vernacular heritage of Confolens, in the former region Poitou-Charentes.

The inscription under the title of Historical Monuments (Decree of 12 October 1973) specifically concerns facades and roofs, highlighting their heritage value. Although the sources do not specify its original use, this type of log house was commonly used for housing or craft activities in urban areas in the Middle Ages. The location, noted as "a priori satisfactory" (level 6/10), places the building in the heart of the historical fabric of Confolens, near the Charente.

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