Grange Huguenet, Protected historic barn in Besançon, France
Grange Huguenet is a protected farm complex in Besançon comprising working agricultural buildings alongside residential structures for both workers and owners spread across the land. The site displays the physical layout of a complete farming estate with separate buildings for different functions and household levels.
The property originated in the 17th century and underwent significant modifications in the 19th century when architect Alphonse Delacroix added improvements reflecting contemporary living standards. These changes marked a shift in how the estate balanced agricultural production with domestic comfort.
The property reflects how wealthy families managed both farming and refined living from the 17th century onward. The layout and surviving rooms show the gradual shift from purely agricultural work toward a more comfortable domestic life that was carefully separated from the working areas.
The site is open seasonally and offers both guided tours and self-guided visits that require advance booking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you will spend time exploring the various buildings and outdoor grounds spread across the property.
A 15th-century cistern remained in use until the 1930s, demonstrating how long older infrastructure could function on the property. The records from the 1700s reveal that the working buildings included a heated greenhouse for storing orange trees through winter, showing the owner's wealth and refined tastes.
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