Château de la Lorie

Precious jewel  in the western section of the Loire valley, the Château de la Lorie is  a monument characterized by both esthetic unity and symmetry and a multiplicity of architectural styles. In spite of different additions and transformations, the successive owners, all of them with refined tastes, have made a point of not denaturing the initial architectural plan.

We owe the existence of the château to René Le Pelletier, Provost Marshal of Anjou, who built and luxuriously decorated a rectangular residence framed by two long wings, an architectural layout that has survived to this day. His son-in-law’s grandson, Gabriel-Félix Constantin, was responsible for the construction of impressive stables and kitchens catering to the royal household.

That said, even though the first stones of today’s monument were laid down in 1632, it was only during the 18th century, under the impetus of the Marquis de la Lorie, that the château became truly exceptional.

Among the interior decors, the marble lounge is particularly attractive. Majestically furnished and decorated along the lines of the Peace Room and the War Room of the château of Versailles, it was one of the many areas transformed by the son of Gabriel-Félix Constantin, Marquis de la Lorie. During the same epoch, the château chapel was constructed. The quality of the furnishings stems from their being “of origin”, which means they have never left the premises. For example, visitors will discover the valuable pieces of furniture commissioned to the cabinetmaker Pluvinet in 1779 for the marble lounge.

The modifications undertaken during the 20th century have further underlined the “living” character of what is anything but an antiquated monument.  In 1904 the grand gallery was designed by the Marquis of Saint Genys  as a space for reception and exhibition of artworks and artifacts. In addition, the Marquis was instrumental to creation of a sumptuous rotunda-shaped dining room, which was essentially the work of the Parisian architect Camut, who had the space adorned with 18^th-century woodwork.

The Château de la Lorie gardens are likewise worthwhile. Punctuated with water bodies and flowerbeds, consisting in five courtyards interlocked with the building, they overlook a comely hippodrome.

All in all, Lorie is a site that has managed to conserve its splendor as a “quasi-royal château”, which is how it was characterized in the 19^th century. Today’s owners, who are proud descendants of the Marquis of Saint Genys, remain steadfastly determined to showcase an authentic heritage castle, testament to history and magnificent setting for an exceptional collection of furniture.