Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The rectory of Bouniagues is located in the western part of a manor house of the 15th and 16th centuries, located in the purple Périgord, on the commune of Bouniagues (Dordogne). This manor house, called La Baume or Labaulme, was built in 1489 and features defensive elements such as a polygonal tower and Renaissance sled windows. The front door, adorned with a coat of arms with lion or bear heads (attributed to the family of Saint-Ours), has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1948. The building, initially higher, was lowered from one floor and lost its corner towers in corbellation.

In the 19th century, Mayor Martial Delpit of Castang acquired the castle in 1875 and gave its western half to the commune to establish the presbytery. The latter preserves medieval architectural traces, such as a stone staircase and 14th century chimneys. The polygonal staircase tower, with its rare broken arch porch in the area, recalls that of the castle of Lanquais, suggesting the same craftsman. The south and north facades have Renaissance windows surmounted by archatures.

The history of the mansion is marked by the family of Saint-Ours, owner from 1701 after the marriage of Marie-Charlotte de Solminihac with Pierre de Saint-Ours. In 1793, Pierre de Saint-Ours, lord of the place, escaped a revolutionary arrest thanks to the intervention of the peasants of Bouniagues. The presbytery, installed a century later, perpetuates this heritage by welcoming today housing in its western part, open to the public.

The lords of Solminihac, owners of the 15th to 17th century, gave up the castle to the Saint-Ours, which kept it until the Revolution. The sculpted coat of arms above the door, representing two hybrid creatures (lions or bears), symbolizes this lineage. The interior chimneys, dated from the 14th century, bear witness to an occupation prior to the construction of the current mansion. The protection under the Historical Monuments concerns only the Renaissance Gate, an emblematic element of the building.

Future

Today, the castle and its former presbytery have preserved their history, authenticity and charm; by the will of the owners; continuing major renovations; and opening to the public the former presbytery (level I) and the castle (level I, II, III and IV); as part of prestigious rentals for a weekend or a stay.

With reference to the two oldest families who occupied the premises; The owners named 2 of the 4 western parts of the castle by the names of the Seigneurie of Solminihac; (level I) and Seigneurie of Saint Bear (level II).

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