Recently Philippe Drouart emailed me to let me know that his redoubtable mother Jacqueline had died.
Alain and Jacqueline Drouart acquired the ruins of the feudal castle of Ingrandes in 1982. They managed to get it declared an Historic Monument in 1987. Nowadays the 15th century dwelling with its beautiful fireplaces is completely restored, the keep is saved, a hoarding has been recreated on one of the towers, a new roof put on the staircase tower, and work continues.
What remains today is a part of the enclosure with its curtain walls and towers, the keep, a vaulted cellar and the old staircase tower, as well as the old part of the dwelling dating from the 15th century. The medieval dwelling is joined by a dwelling built in the 17th century and increased in height in the 19th century.
Alain Drouart died in 2008. His widow Jacqueline continued to manage the castle and was determined finish it so it is not a burden to their children, who inherit it but, as she put it, have their own lives and do not live at the chateau. They will be there over the summer though according to Philippe, and we are welcome to call in any time.
The chateau is open to the public, offers accommodation
and hosts a number of special events. Ingrandes is one of the gateways
to the Brenne Regional Nature Park, an important wetland that we live on
the borders of.
Check their FaceBook page for events and opening times. https://www.facebook.com/Chate
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