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Origin and history

The current Cressé castle was built from 1875 by architect Eugene Demangeat in the commune of Bourg-Charente, Charente. This project was commissioned by Gabriel Martell, a member of the Martell family, who had acquired the fief of Cressé after he was detained in the 18th century by Jacques Pierre Salimon, seigneur of Moulineuf and Cressé. The estate, formerly fief seigneurial, thus became a private residence marked by eclectic architecture.

The castle is distinguished by its original architectural style, combining brick and stone, and consists of a large rectangular house. It is flanked by a polygonal pavilion and turret, with a central forebody. The second floor skylights, decorated with triangular frontons, add a touch of elegance to the whole. After its construction, the castle was transformed into a retirement home, changing its original vocation.

Historically, Cressé was a notable fief, whose traces date back to at least the eighteenth century with Jacques Pierre Salimon. The Martell family, known for its involvement in the trade (notably cognac), made a lasting mark on the site by erecting the present castle. Today, the monument bears witness to this transition between seigneurial estate, bourgeois residence and establishment dedicated to the care of the elderly.

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