Château de Maisonseule, Medieval castle in Saint-Basile, France
Château de Maisonseule is a 13th-century castle situated on an 85-hectare wooded estate that overlooks the Doux valley. The structure features a rectangular keep, a dry moat system, and interior reception halls designed to accommodate gatherings and celebrations.
The castle was built in the 13th century as a defensive keep under Saint Louis and initially served as a garrison post. During the 16th century, the Sahune family transformed it into a private residence, moving away from its military origins.
The name comes from French 'Maison seule', meaning 'solitary house', reflecting its remote setting on the hillside. Visitors today can still sense this isolation when walking through the wooded grounds and gazing across the valley below.
The estate is accessible via well-maintained pathways and features open terraces with gardens suitable for leisurely exploration. The wooded setting provides shelter, making it comfortable to visit in different weather conditions and seasons.
A lightning strike in September 2013 caused significant damage to the keep's roof, triggering extensive restoration efforts. The reconstruction work included rebuilding the original watchtowers based on historical records, restoring much of the structure's former appearance.
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