Château de Purnon in central-western France has had mixed fortunes. This glorious, Louis XVI-style property was completed the year before the Revolution broke out, yet miraculously escaped destruction.
Though it survived successive generations, the chateau later came under threat of ruin until an Australian couple fell in love with it and dedicated themselves to saving it.
“When we found Purnon it was on the brink of being lost forever,” says Felicity Selkirk, 51. “The roof was leaking badly, the estate had been neglected and several of the outbuildings were suffering from stability issues.
“We have since tackled several parts of the project, but we have years of work ahead of us. We work on it every day, and are supported by an amazing team of highly skilled artisans. Without them, saving Château de Purnon would be impossible.”
Before relocating, Felicity owned a website design business, while her husband, Tim Holding, 53, was an MP. Neither had previous renovation or construction experience.
They had originally moved to Paris in 2014, but soon set their sights on a heritage property.
“We searched online and visited 15 chateaux all around France,” says Felicity.
“When we laid eyes on Purnon one wet November morning in 2019, we knew we had found the project we’d been searching for.”
Magnificent architecture
Château de Purnon is located 40km north of Poitiers, near the small village of Verrue (Vienne) and overlooking the Scevolles Forest. It was constructed between 1772 and 1788 for Antoine-Charles Achard, Marquis de la Haye.
In 1893, the property was purchased by the Marquis de Rochequairie and remained in the family until Felicity and Tim bought it in 2020, paying €740,000.
The couple work on renovationsLaura Edwards for Château Reawakening
“Like most of the chateaux in the area it is constructed from tuffeau, a local limestone that is soft and distinctive,” says Felicity.
The chateau itself is built across five levels, covering approximately 2,000m², and is topped by a magnificent slate roof that is visible for miles around, although it was in poor condition when the couple arrived.
“Purnon is all about symmetry and harmony,” says Felicity.
“The cour d’honneur (ceremonial forecourt) is flanked by two enormous outbuildings, while about a dozen other buildings form part of the estate, all set within 23 hectares.
“There is a monumental gate dating from 1812 that looks out over the grande allée, an avenue that extends for almost three kilometres into the forest. It is a breathtaking view that we never get tired of!”
A huge undertaking
Buying a property on such a scale, however, involves a great deal of hard graft.
“We knew that we were embarking on a comprehensive restoration project,” says Felicity. “This is all carried out under the supervision of our extraordinary architect, Frédéric Didier, who is also the chief architect at Versailles.”
Interior of chateauLaura Edwards for Château Reawakening
As the chateau and surrounding buildings are listed as a monument historique, the couple must use a registered heritage architect and traditional artisans with experience in heritage protection.
Emergency works in 2022 included restoring the chateau’s slate roof, its woodwork, shutters, façades, second floor and basement, as well as the outbuildings. Now, the exterior is almost complete and around a dozen of the 105 rooms inside have also been restored.
Such work is costly, but the couple are supported by France’s Ministry of Culture as well as Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s directorate for cultural affairs. In addition, they receive private donations through the not-for-profit association Les Amis de Purnon.
All progress is documented on social media and curious visitors can even pay a visit during annual Journées du patrimoine (national heritage days).
Sharing history
But this is more than a worksite – the chateau is also the couple’s home.
“We live here along with our much-loved dog, Mademoiselle Truffe, and we work on the property throughout the year,” says Felicity.
Among the fruits of their labour is making unexpected discoveries.
“We have uncovered solar calendars to mark the winter solstice and beautiful old wallpapers that date from the time of the chateau’s construction.
“We even came across a phaeton carriage in one of the outbuildings, dating back to the late 1800s.
“Protecting and conserving that heritage is at the heart of everything that we do.
It is wonderful to share these discoveries online and with local people.
"We did not know anyone here when we first arrived, but we have been warmly welcomed and could not be happier.”
