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Today we have a short ride up to the neighbouring chateau of Villandry.
The chateau has had a chequered history,in the middle ages, a fortress named “Colombiers” (Dove Roosts) occupied the site of the present day chateau. On 4 July 1189, Henry II, King of England, acknowledged his defeat to Philip Augustus in Colombiers.
Bought in 1532 by Jean le Breton, Minister of Finances under King Françoise 1. Breton decided to dismantle the fortress except for the squared keep on the south-west side of the site. Breton had gained exceptional architectural experience by working as the construction manager for the chateau of Chambord for many years. The new chateau, was completed in 1536 but finding the name of the place too common & being in favour with King Francois I, the king allowed him to be called “Monsieur de Villandry”.
After being held by Jean le Breton’s family for two centuries, Villandry Castle then changed hands many times, its value often underestimated.
In 1906, two days before his death, Le Roux managed to sell the estate to Doctor Joachim Carvallo, the husband of a rich American steelworker’s heiress. The new owner played an important role in the history of the castle as he dedicated his life to Villandry, giving up a brilliant scientific career. By buying the estate, he saved the castle from being dismantled and promised to return Villandry to its former glory. The gardens were restored to match the Renaissance style of the castle and Carvallo’s collection of fine Spanish paintings were installed there. Slide show of the Windows of Villandry. |
