A whisper of history clings to the stones. This is Château de Villepreux. Its grandeur speaks of centuries past. Standing before you is not just a building but a living testament to French history.
Originally built in the 17th century this château sits nestled in the vast plains of Versailles. It’s part of the Domaine de Grand’Maisons a former property of the Royal Domain of Versailles. The château’s story began long before its current form. In the 12th century a leper house and the monastery of Saint Vincent stood on this very ground. Imagine monks going about their daily lives centuries ago right where we stand.
The Château de Villepreux survived the tumultuous years of the Hundred Years’ War. It even withstood attacks from English forces before being delivered from them by du Guesclin in 1364. Later it faced pillaging by “Italian” hordes in 1525. It even played host to Henri de Navarre the future Henri IV in 1591.
In 1707 the fiefdom of Grand’Maisons became the property of the Francine family. These were famous Florentine fountain makers. They were called to the King’s Court. For four generations they created the magnificent gardens cascades basins and water features of Versailles Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Fontainebleau. In 1710 they expanded and embellished the Château de Villepreux. The château welcomed illustrious guests such as Madame de Pompadour Lulli and Chateaubriand. Louis XIV even made them Counts of Villepreux in honor of their incredible talent.
Louis XV purchased Villepreux in 1768. He did this to expand his royal hunting grounds. These already covered more than 6500 hectares. Then in 1776 Louis XVI had the existing buildings modified. He completed the magnificent architectural ensemble that you see today. It’s a sober and balanced structure opening onto a large courtyard a park and gardens.
The château changed hands numerous times. After the French Revolution it was acquired by Thomas Merlin. He was a famous Parisian collector stockbroker and aesthete. He married Marie-Françoise Boquet the widow of the last owner of the Grand’Maisons farm. This reunited the old fief created by the Francines.
During World War II the château was occupied by German troops. They shared it with the descendants of Augustine Boquet. The Saint Seine family lived there having fled occupied Paris. Count Roland de Saint Seine showed incredible bravery by hiding a British aviator who had parachuted nearby. He was subsequently sent to Nazi concentration camps including Natzweiler Gross Rosen and Dachau. He survived and was awarded the Legion of Honour.
After the war Simone and Count Roland de Saint Seine renovated the château. They maintained its style and character. They then pioneered residential seminar activities. From 1970 their son Luc a great enthusiast of architecture and beautiful stones renovated Grand’Maisons. He transformed the old agricultural farm into one of the most beautiful reception venues in Île-de-France. Today his daughter Victoire and her husband Lutz Liebrecht manage the estate. They continue the work of renovation and maintenance of this fabulous piece of French history.
The Château de Villepreux stands as a silent observer of history. A place where past and present intertwine. It’s a testament to the resilience of this land and its people. It’s a story still being written.