Château de la Gaubertie, 15th century castle in Saint-Martin-des-Combes, France.
Château de la Gaubertie is a 15th century fortified residence with three towers surrounding a central living area, featuring one square tower and two circular towers linked by defensive machicolations. The property also includes a chapel, an orangery, and several outbuildings that form a complete residential complex.
The site started as a fortified house called La Borie before being rebuilt in its current form in the late 15th century. Following the Wars of Religion, the castle underwent restoration work that adapted it to changing times.
The castle's name reflects its connection to the local family who shaped it, and its design shows how nobility balanced everyday living with defensive needs during turbulent times. The defensive features like the machicolations reveal how residents had to protect their homes against threats.
The property spreads across multiple structures that you can explore on foot, with the chapel located about 30 meters east of the main building. It helps to allow time for viewing all the outbuildings when visiting, as they together provide the full picture of the estate.
The detached Gothic chapel with its square turret and period-specific window designs displays craftsmanship distinct from the defensive architecture of the main building. Its separate location suggests the chapel area served as an independent spiritual space for the household.
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