Château de Montardy

The site is arranged around two wings set at right angles that partially enclose a broad terrace, a layout that reflects successive phases of construction and rebuilding. The south and west ranges were repaired or rebuilt in the 19th century and form the principal extant domestic block today. The terrace to the south and west is bounded on its southeast edge by a small projecting watch turret that marks the terrace perimeter.

Approach to the property is along a western route that enters through a porch, which crosses the complex of service buildings. Immediately to the south of those outbuildings stands a large, attached dovecote erected in the 17th century; its scale and attachment to the farm structures reflect its role within the estate’s working courtyard. Beyond the main entrance an open esplanade gives way to the west wing.

At the center of the west range the main doorway is reached by a bridge that spans a ditch; this bridge replaced an earlier drawbridge, indicating the entrance originally had a defensive crossing. The west wing is flanked by two pavilion-like towers, the southern of which connects with the south wing and forms the corner of the principal dwelling. The keep and curtain battlements were taken down during the Revolution and therefore do not contribute to the present fabric. Overall, the site presents a combination of restored 19th-century domestic ranges, a surviving 17th-century dovecote, the entrance bridge over a ditch, pavilion towers on the west front, and the terrace edged by a small watch turret.