Bonnefont.Castle@Gmail.com
Rear of Castle at sun set
"Bonnefond" Castle-Fort, Limoges Neuvelle-Aquitaine, France
____________________________
Escape to BONNEFOND Castle, also known as Chateau Du GRAND BONNEFONT, and Chateau de Saint-Just-Le- Martel.
It is nothing like a luxury Intercontinental Hotel, a small but clean Ibis Budget Motel, let alone a rambling manor house. The castle has 6 levels, a total of 7642 square feet, 9 bedroom/suites, accommodating up to 24 guests, 4 bathrooms and 1 guest half bathroom. Bonnefond is a true medieval castle-fort with up to 7 foot thick walls, 7 foot to 14 foot high curtain walls, iron bared front and side doors, adaptive escape tunnel, with electronic security on front gate and castle entrances. The castle is easy to reach. it's next to
porcelain Golf Club, and 4.9 miles east of Limoges which offers train service, International air transportation, with major car rentals available, and all providing transportation to the many attractions of France.
CHATEAU defined, and LOCATION
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a French “Chateau” as “A castle, fortress… or stately residence,” (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/chateau). Thus, a French chateau may be an old stone built property, a royal residence, palace, a fortified manor, or a military fort. This small chateau-fort is listed on French maps as “LE GRAND BONNEFONT” (the place of great water): The road paralleling the estate is appropriately named the Route de Chateau D'Eau (castle of water). The castle is view-able on Google Earth near the commune and church of Saint-Just-Le-Martel, population of 2343, located eight miles by road east of Limoges and once a border to the Bonnefond estate.
CASTLE HISTORY
Bonnefond castle and estate, originally with its 6422.26 acres, dates from the "the 13th century," the medieval period of Europe. “A document, formerly in the office of The Marie (Mayor) of Saint-Just-Le-Martel attested to its antiquity.” The chateau-fort, originally with two towers and now only one tower, was one of several small forts built by the French military to protect the two towns of Limoges, "the City and the Chateau,” which are directly a mile and a half away. The "towns" overlook the strategic Vienne river trade rout. Close by is the town of Saint-Just-Le-Martel where Bonnefond was garrisoned by French troupes for three centuries to help protect the region.
The town of Limoges is North of Bordeaux and South of Paris. It is the capital of Limousine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limousin) in the French Region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The city proper was founded by the Romans as “Augustorium,” circa, 10BC: This was a result of Limoges’ strategic location below the Loire River which marks the start of the southern half of France. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limoges)
“In the mid 1600’s, the castle became inhabited by the Sieur (a French knight given charge of a castle) Lord de Bonnefont, surnamed
‘des Maisons,’ prenom 'Louis,' a lieutenant of the kings ‘Light horses.’ The king Louis XIII sent Lt. (des) Maisons to fight on the island of Re’ to protect royal relatives from the English: The (Des) Maisons of Bonnefont family were a branch of the Capetian dynasty of Francia. A Bonnefont ancestor was advanced to the feudal rank of Viscount. The Des Maisons family's founder, Louis, distinguished himself gallantly and the king awarded him with the rank of "Sieur" in July 1628. Lt. Louis des Maisons then became Sir Louis, Lord of Bonnefont ("pas de seigneur sans terre, pas de terre sans seigneur," thence a feudal Seigniorial property, and received a coat of arms: "Silver with a green oak tree, two houses to its side, which are topped by two green stars," with manorial , not noble, coronet of rank (in French: ‘d’argent a un chene de sinople accoste de deux maisons de gueules surmontees de deux etoiles de sinopleen chef’).”
Bonnefond’s gate house dates from “1616.” Its underground vault has an "artesian spring" which still provides water to parts of the castle grounds. The vault was reportedly built as a reservoir from a spring, and later used as a wine cellar. After the French Revolution, in 1799, the chateau required extensive work. Repairs were completed using portions of the granite curtain wall surrounding the castle and one of the two towers. This was a common practice during the late Middle Ages when damaged castles and curtain walls provided heavy granite building material. The remaining curtain walls are seven to fourteen feet high near “dependencies.”
In the 1800’s the castle was modernized into a livable family manor house with numerous rooms and fireplaces. Additional windows covered with iron security bars were added to the lower floors. Windows in upper floors were enlarged to provide more light for the interior and to assist as requiredn in moving furniture in and out. The medieval age “guardrobes,” (water closets) that once protruded from the walls of the castle are now sealed shut (the outline of two guardrobes can still be identified high up the wall's of the castle): The guardrobes were eventually replaced by “modern” bathrooms with indoor running water. The water was pumped from a well, recently the residence of frogs.
The castle's water conduit also provided an escape tunnel located in the castle’s lower “vault.” It is only reachable by steep granite stairs. The tunnel has partially collapsed. The lower portion of the vault had been filled in with rubble and blocked by a platform. That platform has been removed and the vault and tunnel has been partially excavated by removing the a ton of rubble. The excavation exposed one of many tunnels on the property which require further excavated and stabilizion in order to once again be useful for irrigation and emergency exit from the castle as well.
CASTLE, REGIONAL AMENITIES, Things to SEE and DO
The current estate covers nearly three manicured acres surrounded by rich farm lands divided by rows of mature trees with occasional farms and villas. A quarter mile away, as the crow fly's, is the world class golf course of Porcelaine. www.golf-porcelaine.com. It is viewable from the top floor of the castle, but only after leaves have fallen in autumn from surrounding trees.
“Limoges, with its historic cathedral, museums, medieval center, local palaces, castles, and forts of Rochechouart, Montburn, Coussac-Bonneval, Pompadour, and the recreational lakes of Saint Pardoux and Vassiviere, all offer a variety of fun exploration. The wineries of Limousin produce world class Mille et Une Pierres, Vin Paille, and Verneueuil Rose wines. The neighboring Departments of Correze, Dordogne, Charente, are equally interesting and can be reached by auto, bus or train in 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on attraction. Besides famous historical sites, a world-class golf course, and superb French cuisine. There is a river for canoeing, fishing, bicycling, and hiking. Necessary equipment rentals are available during the summer along the river and in the city.
The city of Limoges, with a population of 142,000, has several colleges. The largest is the University of Limoges, founded in 848 CE and currently has over 14,000 students: 3,600 students are postgraduates with over 1,600 in doctoral programs of Medicine “school founded in 1626,” Law, Theology, “Computer Engineering,” and The Arts. The University maintains active educational programs for English speaking students. The University also has foreign exchange programs.
LIMOUSINE, is now the northern portion of NEW AQUITAINE
Limousine, with a population of over 860,000, has absorbed its artistic and cultural heritage from a rich religious and military past. From wars fought between the Roman Empire, circa 100 to 400 CE, and various “barbarian hordes,” to the Hundred Year War, 1337 to 1453, fought between the French and English, to the “Great Wars” of the last century. These wars waxed back and fourth over the Loire River. The most significant European wars of the feudal period were fought between the Dukes of Aquitaine (later, the kings of England), and the catholic kings of France: Both factions trying to solicit the support of the Viscounts of Limoges because the viscounts controlled a major trade route and waterway in Southern France.
One of the most famous, if not infamous, kings of England during this period was Richard The Lion Heart. Limousine is considered the center of Richard’s historic route through France. This venture ended with “Richard R’s” death by a “bolt” shot by a young crossbowman at the siege of the bastion of the Viscounts of Limoges, the Chateau Chalus-Chabrol. Bonnefont is near this historic route as well as being on the pilgrims’ trail to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This is where the relics of “Sainti Jacobi” are believed by many of the faithful to be interred. “Scallop Shells” once in bold relief in the castle outer structure are now only recognizable as carved into the ancient oak mantel over the fireplace in the dining room. Scallop Shells attest to Bonnefond being an acknowledged stopover for pilgrims seeking food and safe lodging for the night.
HOW TO REACH BONNEFOND CASTLE
The chateau-fort is easy to reach: It is about twenty-five minutes by cab from Limoges–Bellegarde International Airport (LIG). The airport serves Paris and London with direct flights to the United States. Limoges-Benedictine train station is about fifteen minutes away from the castle and offers direct SNCF rail service to Paris and Bordeaux. Car rentals are available for pick up at the Bellegarde airport and Benedictine train station.
BONEFOND'S HOTEL RATING, AVAILABILITY and RATES
3 Star out of 4 Star rating (no elevator) from Limoges Bureau of Tourism
Nightly rates for winter "OFF" season start $900. Property is a near golf course, airport, road ways, and train station. Significant discount for first seasonal guests. Catering, cleaning, and ground transportation can be arranged.
Major renovation on the castle lasting nearly three years is complete. Many medieval features have been retained. Renovation on the Gate House/Barracks (three apartments) has commenced. Renovating the Guest House (two apartments) is scheduled to start after the gate house is completed and available for occupancy.
REVIEWS
1. Julian wrote; We were the first to spend a night in this "property". And it was a nice surprise. A very nice castle, quite, well renovated. We had at our disposal a whole floor, with 3 large bedrooms, one with 2 double beds, i bathroom, and an extra room with a sofa bed! We also had access to the period kitchen (but restored), has a huge dining room and finally has a TV lounge. in short, much more space than necessary for us 6. And finally, to complete our short stay, Hilde (co-host) served us a hearty breakfast! We recommend 100%!
2. Fabrice wrote: A real pleasure, this is a step out of the past. A beautiful place, combined with a professional welcome from Hilde (co-host). Go ahead with your eyes closed!
3. Bethany wrote: We were a party of five and wanted a quite setting in the center of France, but not in a city. We decide on a location near Limoges with train service from Paris, and found a chateau available near Saint-Just-Le-Martel. It was by a golf course. The owner, Richard, had flown in from California the previous day and gave us a hearty welcome at the door. While we visited he told us the history of the chateau which had been traced back to the 13 century. The work he had accomplished in renovation had taken several years and was a masterful job making the chateau into a Bed and Breakfast. Each room was tastefully appointed with period furniture, no detail lacking. The owner was an attentive and gracious host, making us feel welcome. His knowledge from the Roman times through present gave us an insight into places we could visit from historical sites to villages with antique stores. Golf, we decided to save for another time, however we visited the club's restaurant where we had a delicious Provencal fare. Le Porcelain golf course was well maintained and walking distance of the chateau.. We found the most interesting part of the chateau was the basement tunnels used in the past by residents to make speedy retreats in times of trouble without being noticed. A lovely visit to the beautiful Chateau
4. Have a little boy's dream stay in a castle. Hilde the co-host is attentive and available. The setting is very nice. To recommend Bonnefont, and we all agreed, 'we must come again soon'!
5. Marie wrote: Have a little boy's dream stay in a castle. Hilde the co-host is attentive and available. The setting is very nice. To recommend!
6. Guylaine wrote: A place that we won't forget. We loved our stay. The castle is magnificent, the welcome and attention are top notch. Hilde and her companion are passionate and very hospitable! The bedding is very comfortable and the castle is cool (pleasant in summer). Our little children spent the weekend with stars in their eyes!
7. Ellen wrote: We had a great stay with friends in this magnificent castle! Everything is perfect for having a good time with children, and the place is truly exceptional!
8. Gilles wrote: We had a great stay in this beautiful house. The castle is magnificent, tastefully decorated and the park is splendid. The place is calm and serene. In short, everything is perfect.
9. Michael wrote: Beautiful castle in a great location not far from Limoges. The chateau is even better than the pictures, very clean and really well equipped for a weekend with friends or family, with plenty of space to gather or to find a quite spot to read. Hilde is a fantastic host - she couldn't be more helpful and was very flexible on scheduling on checking in and out. It was a perfect location for a 40th birthday celebration with friend. Highly recommended!
For further information contact the property manager, Hilde, at hiltoss@gmail.com
Bonnefont Castle is the families second home:
$900.00
