History

Constructed on the left bank and overlooking the village, the Louis XIII style chateau was completed in the 19th century. It was built by a rich businessman living in Paris, who dealt in African timber but also owned the large luxury leather-ware shop known as Au Prince Eugène, situated on the Grands Boulevards in Paris. The Château was the family’s summer home.

The park of 6 hectares was developed first in a romantic style following a layout that was in fashion at the time. Once the park had been created, the Château was built with the aim of having a view of the countryside from every window. It is still the case today. A walk along the alleyways offers charming and varied views between groups of mature trees which are interspersed with local and more exotic species including the Virginia tulip trees and the Ginkgo biloba. Close to the Château is the remarkable 200-years old Purple Beech tree.

Form the belvedere, there is a very pretty view of the village of Breurey. Near the park entrance, there is a “glacière” deep in the ground which was used to store ice for use in making sorbets. Above it is a water tank, to store the rain water that falls on the roof of the Château and is initially collected in the cellars. A vegetable garden enclosed by stone walls supporting grape vines is used to produce all the organic vegetables for the owners and their guests. There is also a gazebo, a summer house, an orchard, the stables and near to the main gate, the gate-house which has been converted into a luxury gîte for 4 guests.

The Château was fully renovated in 2006 by the current owners in total respect of the style. The roof was entirely replaced; the reddish color slates which originally came from the nearby Vosges mountains, can no longer be found in Europe and replacements were imported from Canada. The interior was modified and renovated with the same degree of respect and attention to detail.

The park is protected and the Château has received the label “VMF” (Vieilles Maisons Françaises) and is listed by the Fondation du Patrimoine.