Château du Sart, 18th-century castle in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France.
Château du Sart is an 18th-century castle in Villeneuve-d'Ascq built with red brick and limestone walls, featuring surrounding moats that highlight its former defensive purpose. The structure stands within a golf course landscape that accommodates modern use while preserving the historic building's physical character.
The castle was built in 1740 and initially belonged to the Fourmestraux lords who established their residence there. During World War I, the Van der Cruisse de Waziers library housed within the building was destroyed.
The castle now operates as a golf club headquarters, with the surrounding grounds transformed into an 18-hole course while its original structure remains intact. This repurposing blends leisure activities with the preservation of a historic building in daily use.
Visitors can explore the historic 1761 pigeon house structure through guided tours organized by the Villeneuve-d'Ascq Tourist Office. It is advisable to check availability in advance, as the grounds remain in active use as a golf course and may have limited access times.
The pigeon house displays an uncommon architectural design combining a square base with a polygonal tower, following specifications detailed in Diderot's encyclopedia. This structural choice reflects how Enlightenment principles influenced practical agricultural buildings.
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