Residence of the Stuarts and the Dukes of Richmond and Lennox for 400 years, La Verrerie is THE place to be for a truly unforgettable immersion in Renaissance times.
In the Fifteenth Century, under Charles the Seventh's reign and during the Hundred Years War, the French
and the Scottish armies joined forces in the name of the AULD ALLIANCE (a military treaty dating back
to 1295) to drive away the English who were then possessing more than half of the Kingdom of France.
The Scots contributed greatly to the defeat of the English and as a reward for his outstanding services,
Charles VII gave to the Constable John Stuart of Darnley, chief of the Scottish army, the lordship of
Aubigny that became from that moment “La Cité des Stuarts”. His successors, Béraud and Robert
Stuart, left their imprint in the building of the half-timbered houses that still stand in Aubigny, and
in particular the Renaissance style Château de La Verrerie whose architectural beauty reflects perfectly
their own way of life and art.
The Stuart dynasty continued in the 17th century with Louise de Penancoët de Keroualle, Duchess of
Portsmouth and Aubigny. French official mistress of Charles II King of England and spy for Louis XIV, she
had considerable influence over political affairs. Although she was not Scottish, her Stuart connections
were strong enough to persuade Louis XIV to accord her the seigneurie, which had lapsed with the death of
Darnley's last descendant.
La Verrerie was her home for 50 years. She made many improvements inside the castle and also in the superb gardens, helped in this last task by a disciple of Le Nôtre, and was very well-liked. (Lady Diana Spencer, William's mother, pretender to the British crown, was Charles II Stuart and Louise de Keroualle's descendant - 10th generation!).
After her death La Verrerie passed to the first Duke of Richmond and Lennox ( the illegitimate son she had in 1672 with Charles II ) but as the years went on, with the Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire (Continental Blockade), the situation became critical for the heirs who preferred to stay in London and ventured less and less into the Province of Berry. All their properties were confiscated, Aubigny became French again and La Verrerie sold at auction in 1841.
The buyer was Léonce Louis Melchior, marquis de Vogüé; A new dynasty was born.
“This castle is just like in a story book”
It's now the turn of Béraud de Vogüé to run La Verrerie with gracious hospitality. This 15th century historical monument with amazing views over park, lake and woods, offers nowadays all the comfort and amenities of a luxurious hotel with the special cachet of a private home. There you'll have the rare opportunity to stay amongst unique wonderful furniture, tapestries, portraits and sculptures from the 16th century into the 18th century. The sumptuous guest rooms are filled with antiques and decorated with taste and perfect knowledge of styles. The entire castle exudes history and remains an impressive cultural heritage (several rooms are open for public visits).
Also located in the park is the restaurant named “La Maison d'Hélène” to honor the former
nurse of the children. It's housed in a small charming converted rural cottage, and experiencing the inventive
cooking is part of the relaxed, friendly way of life. For possibly a new experience try a white Menetou-Salon
from the “Caves Clément”, or for a celebration have the red “Cuvée Belle Dame” by Vacheron,
which is not unaffordable, and you can reward yourself by walking back to your room at La Verrerie .....
Château de la Verrerie .... A fairy tale vision, that never vanished !
~ Location Map ~
~ Access Map ~