Built between 1625 and 1677 Chateau de Baville stands proudly. It’s a testament to the French Chateau style of Louis XIII. This magnificent structure sits in Saint-Cheron in the Essonne department. It’s a privately owned treasure a hidden gem in the Ile-de-France region.
Chateau de Baville wasn’t always what you see today. It replaced an older manor house. Christian Lamoignon a counselor and later president of the Parliament of Paris commissioned its construction. Michel Villedo a master mason for Louis XIII himself oversaw the project. The cost a surprisingly reasonable 45000 pounds.
The Chateau de Baville became a hub for high society. Guillaume de Lamoignon the Marquis of Basville hosted the most elite guests. Racine La Fontaine Madame de Sevigne Saint Vincent de Paul and Bourdaloue were frequent visitors. Even Boileau penned some of his works within these walls. Two wings added in 1677 maintained the original style. More common buildings were added later in 1769.
The Lamoignon family held the estate until 1791. Then Philippe Albert Joseph Pruvost de Saulty acquired it. He was a receiver general and a regent of the Bank of France. He even died at the Chateau in 1833. Sadly a wing was destroyed in the early 1800s. Its materials were repurposed for an orangery. The Chateau’s rich library now resides in the British Museum.
The gardens underwent a transformation too. French gardens gave way to English gardens in 1816. Later they were restored perhaps by Henri and Achille Duchane. Chateau de Baville even played a role in modern media. It served as a filming location for the TV series Boarding School. So you are standing before a place of history elegance and even a touch of modern fame. Chateau de Baville whispers tales of centuries past. It invites you to imagine the lives and conversations that filled its halls.