Château du Douhet, Historical castle in Le Douhet, France.
Château du Douhet is a castle featuring a moat that fronts the courtyard, a plain portal entrance, and several pavilions topped with slate roofs. Water features on the grounds are fed by remains of a Roman aqueduct.
The castle was built between 1715 and 1730, replacing an earlier structure that belonged to several noble families since the 14th century. This reconstruction represented a shift toward housing people of high status.
During the 18th century, the castle served as a residence for the Bishop of Saintes, demonstrating its role in ecclesiastical power. The building's grand layout reflects the importance placed on housing religious leaders.
The site is best explored on foot since the pavilions and water features spread across the grounds. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to examine the details around the courtyard.
The property is known for reported unexplained occurrences in the Yellow Room, which led to an exorcism ritual in 1946 after the Damilleville family acquired it. This episode illustrates how older buildings often carry stories and local legends.
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