Château d'Échuilly, Heritage castle in Les Verchers-sur-Layon, France
Château d'Échuilly is a castle near Doué-en-Anjou featuring a main building and two wings that form an honor courtyard, surrounded by water-filled moats and stone bridges. The ensemble is complemented by several outbuildings including a dovecote, a rotunda chapel, and an orangerie.
Jean de La Selle, a royal counselor and president of the treasury administration for Tours, commissioned the castle in 1730, completed in 1740. This creation of a wealthy financial official reflects the prosperity and influence such positions offered during that era.
The castle served as a refuge for important artworks during World War II, including stained glass windows from Reims Cathedral that were cared for by curator Albert Pellus. This role made the place a keeper of cultural treasures during uncertain times.
The castle is privately owned and occupied by the de Geoffre de Chabrignac family, which means visits are only possible by prior arrangement. It is essential to contact the owners before planning a visit.
The property contains a small rotunda chapel, an architectural detail often overlooked even though it reflects the original builder's personal faith. This religious structure within a private residence shows how important spiritual spaces were in such homes of the period.
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