Alco Castle, 18th-century folly in Montpellier, France
Alco Castle is an 18th-century residence with a symmetrical garden layout spread across two levels, connected by a double staircase structure. The grounds feature multiple pools and fountains integrated throughout the landscaped property.
Antoine-Samuel Bonnier d'Alco, a wealthy entrepreneur, commissioned architect Augustin-Charles d'Aviler to design this estate in 1740. The project emerged during an era when wealthy merchants displayed their new fortunes through elegant country residences.
The building displays Loire-style architecture with a modest facade that stands apart from the more monumental designs of other Montpellier follies. The approach reflects the tastes of the upper class in the 1700s without excessive ornamentation.
The building serves primarily administrative functions, with a restaurant area on the ground floor for departmental staff. Access and hours may vary depending on official usage and current operations.
The property produced wine from its own vineyards for more than a century, a practice that ended in the 1920s. This agricultural use reveals how self-sufficient such estates remained even within an urban setting.
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