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Origin and history

The Manoir des Comtes, located 16 rue du Soleil in Confolens, Charente, was built in the 15th or 16th century by the Counts of Confolens to replace their castle in ruins. Although conceived as a more comfortable residence, it seems that the Counts have never lived there. The first certified owner is Mr. Guimard, the county receiver. The 17th century north building completes an architectural complex organized around an inner courtyard overlooking the river.

In the 18th century, the mansion was sold to Nicolas Marcillac d'Oradour, with his second name, Maison d'Oradour. In 1793 it became communal property and served as a prison for Spanish prisoners during the Napoleonic wars. In 1826 he belonged to M. Decauffour, also receiver. On November 7, 1973, its facades and roofs were inscribed as historical monuments, protecting a heritage marked by Renaissance elements, such as a door decorated with pilasters and a vaulted chapel in warheads.

The manor architecture is distinguished by four distinct houses, three of which are structured around a courtyard with a well. The three-storey rectangular house body houses a vaulted chapel, while another, square, has a four-paned roof and a pierced façade with a Renaissance door. A poterne, formerly decorated with the coat of arms of the Counts of Confolens, leads to a gallery with three arcades. Although private and not open to the public, the mansion illustrates the evolution of seigneurial residences between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

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