Les Herbiers Castle

BARNES Propriétés & Châteaux offers for sale, exclusively, this authentic castle nestled in the heart of Vendée, between Les Herbiers and Pouzauges.
Registered in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments, this heritage ensemble is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable sites in the region, due to its history, scale, architectural quality, and above all, its exceptional authenticity.
Built in a dominant position around two courtyards, the estate extends over approximately 18 hectares in a single block, in a preserved environment with breathtaking views of the bocage.
From the road, imposing circular gates announce the entrance to the property. A long alley lined with walnut trees leads to the entrance porches, whose origins date back to the 15th century, likely remodeled in the 17th century.
Passing through these porches leads to a first courtyard where the various buildings gradually appear: outbuildings, main house, etc. The main house, dating from the 17th century, leans against the back of the castle. From this courtyard, the rear facade of the lordly residence appears austere, almost mysterious, pierced only by two small dormer windows and a postern.
A second passage leads to the second courtyard, the true historic heart of the property. Here the manor house is fully revealed, accompanied by additional outbuildings also dating from the 15th century.
The manor’s facade features a particularly remarkable composition. At its center stands a truncated hexagonal tower, flanked by a small round tower. To its left, the window is typical of the 15th century. To the right, attached to the manor, is the chapel, a simple, single-story building, pierced on the courtyard side by a door and a pointed-arch stained glass window.
But perhaps the most interesting element of the facade is the entrance door of the tower. Its sculpted arch is topped with a lancet point, while in the space between the bracket and the lintel appear two coats of arms, one of which may bear the arms of the de Vivonne family.
Inside the tower, a magnificent spiral staircase serves the different levels. Illuminated by a window with seats, it ends with a remarkable 18th-century wooden baluster railing and leads notably to the room attributed to the famous Chevalier du Landreau, the last inhabitant of the house.
On each level, two main rooms and two secondary rooms have retained exceptional authenticity. Old terracotta tiles, fireplaces, beams, and original volumes create a decor of rare coherence.
Here, almost nothing has been altered. This is precisely what gives this residence its unique character.
To the north, the castle connects on the ground floor with the main house. This part, having undergone various transformations over time, notably related to its use as the farmer’s dwelling, has less heritage value but offers, in return, particularly interesting additional living potential, allowing for various projects.
Beneath the building, a staircase leads to a vaulted underground room.
But even deeper lies perhaps the most fascinating testimony to the site’s history: a perfectly preserved refuge underground passage, likely over a thousand years old and much older than the castle walls, none of which seem to date beyond the 15th century.
The property thus reveals itself as a true open-air history book, appealing to those seeking much more than a residence: to those wishing to acquire a place, a story, an atmosphere, and a heritage to preserve and pass on.
An extraordinary family home, cultural or tourist project: the possibilities are numerous and can be imagined while respecting the soul and history of this exceptional site.
Now it is up to you to write the next chapter of its story.

Not subject to energy performance diagnosis (Historic Monument).

This property is presented by Jan Erik ALDERLIESTE [hidden information]

”Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website: [hidden information]”
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website: https://www.georisques.gouv.fr/