Château La Clayette

Not a study but a few random shots of this lovely unrestored and therefore unspoilt château in southern Burgundy, retaining much of its original materials and features from the C14th, reminiscent of the fairytales of childhood cinema and storybooks.
On very rare occasions its doors are opened to the townsfolk by its mystery owners, offering each year an autumn glimpse of its charm and setting. Although now in much need of conservation. Originally, the castle was built as a fortress because of its strategic defensive location, surrounded by a water-filled moat and drawbridge.

• 1307: Earliest mention as a fortified house.
• 1380: During the Hundred Years War, Philibert de Lespinasse turned the fortified house into a castle.
• 1420: The castle then belonged to Louis de Chantemerle.
• 1524: Francis I of France spent a night in the castle on his way to Lyon.
• 1632: The castle belonged to Paul of the House of Damas, one of France's oldest noble families.
• 1703: By inheritance, the castle went to the Dyo family after the death of Jean-Léonard de Damas.
• 1722: Bernard de Noblet bought the castle, whose descendants are probably still owners, but is uncertain.
• It was expanded to its current size in the C18th.

Sept'26