Gros Chesnay Castle is located in the commune of Fillé, in the Sarthe department, 16 km southwest of Le Mans.
A first dwelling was built in the 16th century on these lands located to the west of the current town on behalf of François Le Boindre. What remains of this original Renaissance style building are three central bays in molded Bernay stone on the "east" facade and the three central bays of the rafter frame. In the 17th century, a first extension was initiated by his descendant Jean II Le Boindre. The whole was the subject of rearrangements in the 18th century requested by Jean-Joseph Le Boindre. Finally, some more occasional alterations were made in the 19th century when the Ouvrard de Linières family owned the estate.
More recently, from 2007, state-of-the-art restoration work was undertaken after the castle and its exteriors were included in the Inventory.
The built elements (with a central body with a sculpted pediment) are now an example of a neo-classical style pleasure residence popular in the 18th century, and the gardens with canal, water features and belvedere, belonging to the baroque style, are also exemplary. The outbuildings have no shortage of assets (farm, dovecote) and a vegetable garden is maintained for the starred chef Alain Passard (of the restaurant L'Arpège in Paris).
18th century decorations have been preserved inside.
The property, still private, is occasionally accessible to the public (exteriors only) but this beautiful residence is visible during a walk… Information on +33 2 43 87 14 25.
