Ussel, Limousin 19200

In Haute-Corrèze, on the edge of a village, a 15th century castle. Restored, with outbuildings and ponds, on an estate of 73 ha, including more than 21 ha of woods and land. The castle, the oldest parts of which date back to the 15th century, was built on the probable site of a 9th century feudal motte. Its location essentially follows the layout of the medieval wall, attested as early as the 13th century, which still structures the organisation of the site today. The north façade faces the village church and a neo-Gothic chapel on the estate built in 1898. It is part of the perimeter wall that extends to the east and west and delimits the immediate access to the property. Two gates provide access to the estate. To the north-east, the first leads to the gardens, parking spaces, annex buildings, a swimming pool and a passage to a main courtyard. The second gate opens onto an alley that runs along the west side of the castle to the main courtyard. The stone facades and slate roofs of Travassac have been completely restored. The gravelled main courtyard is bordered by the two main buildings, also known as the "small" and "large" sections, three levels high and arranged at right angles. The courtyard is closed to the south by a fortified wall which dominates an area of dry moat. The two buildings are separated by a narrow lane that connects the courtyard to the rear of the castle, its outbuildings, gardens and swimming pool. The small part develops along a north-south axis around a rectangular building flanked by a residential tower. The large part, oriented east-west, includes several buildings and towers, including a spiral staircase tower and a square tower marking the corner of the square. To the south, an interior perimeter wall marks the transition with the estate's land and contributes to the staging of the castle, established as a belvedere. It is punctuated by stone stairs and, near the pool, a circular watchtower with a pepperpot roof.