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Origin and history

The Vigerie House in Varen is a historical monument dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It consists of a main house, a tower with an east corner, a dovecote and a barn-stable, illustrating the architectural evolution and agricultural uses of the period. The tower, with an imperial roof, features cradle vaults and ridges, as well as murderers likely intended for ventilation. The west facades, overlooking the countryside, constitute the oldest part of the whole, while a porch in the middle of the hangar allows access to an inner courtyard bounded by the buildings.

Part of the house dates from the early 18th century, as evidenced by the date of 1726 engraved on a door lintel, associated with Antoine Testats (or Testas), whose monogram "A.T." and family weapons adorn the entrance. A furniture inventory of 1811 mentions a second building forming right angle with the main body, while engraved dates (1720, 1726, 1736, 1879) and a monogram "H.D." (1910) attest to successive reconstructions and alterations. The dovecote, typical of the Occitan farms, and the barn-stable, covered with dardoise, complete this protected rural complex since 1978 for its facades and roofs.

The architecture of the Vigerie House reflects functional and aesthetic adaptations over the centuries. The tower's imperial roof, covered with lauze and slate, contrasts with the hollow tiles of the house and the flat tiles of the dovecote. The awning staircase and the terrace along the west building facilitate access to the living rooms, while the cross dated 1732 and the residual defensive elements recall the local historical context. This building, rebuilt in stages, embodies the rural heritage of Occitanie and its social evolution, from noble families such as the Testas to 19th century agricultural owners.

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