The “Clos des Fées” castle, situated in the charming French municipality of Saint-Jouin-Bruneval, has borne witness to a tumultuous past, with its current state reflecting the aftermath of a devastating fire in the 1990s. Despite its dilapidated appearance reminiscent of a ghostly movie set, a transformative future awaits this historic edifice.

Constructed in 1902 by Louis Besnard, the son of the esteemed French Impressionist painter Albert Besnard and the then-mayor of Saint-Jouin-Bruneval, the castle was conceived as a grand monument. Louis, utilizing his father’s considerable wealth, aimed to draw prominent Parisian personalities to the Atlantic coast for special events, establishing “Clos des Fées” as a prominent meeting place for high society.

Following a period in the 1930s when the castle was repurposed as a vacation home for young girls under the management of a community of nuns, its ownership transitioned into private hands in the late 1970s. Unfortunately, the ambitious renovation efforts initiated were abruptly halted by the destructive fire.

Now, with a promising turn of events, the municipality has successfully acquired the abandoned castle from its private owner. A beacon of hope for the coastal community, the castle is poised to be a focal point of a visionary new project. Plans include the construction of several apartments within the castle, alongside other facilities, with active involvement from the local citizens in the decision-making process.

The overarching objective of this venture is not merely restoration but a careful preservation of the castle’s distinctive silhouette, especially the dominant main structure. Simultaneously, the interior is slated for a rejuvenation, designed to embrace a “contemporary” aesthetic. As the pages of history turn, the “Clos des Fées” castle stands on the cusp of a renaissance, symbolizing the resilience of heritage and the promise of a vibrant future for the coastal community.