Historic Hotel
Dating back to the 12th century with main parts from the 15th and 17th centuries, this château features vestiges of a medieval fortress and notable Renaissance and 19th-century architectural details like gargoyles and mullioned windows.
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Year erected: 15th century
What is the history of the property?
Over the centuries, the Château de l'Epinay has known many illustrious families. Each of them has brought their own touch and contributed to the undeniable charm that characterises it today.
Great Anjou families have owned the fief of Epinay. The Gastinels, founders of the fief in the 12th century, were succeeded by the Montalais de Vern in the 15th and 16th centuries, the La Jaille family in 1451, the Brie-Serrant family and the d'Andigné family. At the end of the 16th century, the land passed by marriage to the d'Andigné family, who kept the fief until 1730, when the de Cumonts became owners. One of the descendants of this family, Arthur de Cumont, who inherited the property in 1874, was Minister of Public Instruction. In our time, the fief was for a long time the property of Mr Gasiorowski, then mayor of Saint-Georges. The castle was bought back in 1988 after many years of neglect and was largely restored with great care.
The fief also evokes one of the most prestigious names in French literature, Jean Racine, whose memory is curiously associated with the history of l'Epinay and more particularly with the Priory through the lawsuit opposing him to Le Ferron to obtain this office in 1666 following the resignation of his uncle Antoine Sconin, canon of Uzès and Prior of l'Epinay.
After 3 years of proceedings, Racine gave up the title of Prior de l'Epinay and kept the echo of these quarrels in the only comedy he wrote: "Les Plaideurs": "Chicanery is a language that is stranger to me than to anyone else, and I have only used a few barbaric words that I may have learnt in the course of a trial that neither my judges nor I have ever heard properly".
The Countess of Pimbèche in this famous comedy therefore owes her existence in part to a disputed title of Prieur de l'Epinay, which Racine nevertheless mentions in the privilege of "Andromaque" in 1667.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
It is a 15th and 17th century house.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Yes, in the commune of Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, there is the Château de Serrant and a former abbey which now houses the town hall. The Château de l'Epinay is located in the Loire Valley, which is home to many castles, including the Château d'Angers.
Has restoration work taken place?
Many renovations have taken place, and are still taking place. However, we have kept the charm and authenticity of the old building.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
-Mahogany furniture
-Large crystal chandeliers
-Mullioned windows
-The lantern surmounted by a lead finial over one metre high and decorated with a pigeon and three acanthus leaves
-Ruined walkway
-Dovecote
-Beams and old stone
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
-Gastinel, founders of the fief in the 12th century
-Jean Racine, French playwright and poet.
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