| The stables were
built during the Comte de Camaille's era (1890's) when he
dramatically enlarged the chateau and estates.
The stables are adjacent (but a
discrete distance from) the chateau and include the Count's
walled garden, ponds, fountains, fruit trees original vines, etc
etc. The wall itself is a wonder: it is glazed at the top for
raising tropical fruit.
The building was a no-expense
spared effort, with sculptures of his favorite horses and dogs.
Later it was used for his collection of exotic early cars - the
owner found bits of de Dion's etc.
Just prior (and in anticipation
of) WWII, the whole estate was acquired by a major bank as a
refuge and fortress for its accounts - the stables became the
home and garage of the "Chef". This fell into disrepair in the
60's (with computerisation of the bank) and the current owner
has brought the interiors up to a modern standard, and his wife
has resurrected the gardens. The quality of the whole place is
really very high - far better than the usual French standard of
"habitable" - like a new home really. |
