Post by waterjag on Sept 13, 2006 10:14:13 GMT -5
This is one of the only houses that I hold a close connection to. But it isn't much of a house, it is more of a fortress. A castle really. For Roquetaillade is the name of a medevil castle. This was built in 1306 or completed in that year, and was built with an agreement between Pope Clement V and the king of England for the Pope's nephew Guillard a la Mothe (pronounced Mot).
The king of England at that time was King Edward, but I do not know which one.
It took three years to complete the building of the castle and it has been lived in by the same family for over 700 years! The family only changing names five times. The stone work of the castle is very well done. In the early 19th Century the interior and windows on the outside became redecorated by Violla le Duc, a popular architect at that time. He also installed an extra entrance/exit to the castle. Around the castle outside are large expanses on land on which vinyards grow. There is also land that is let in use to grow poplar trees. The wine that is produced is the main sustenance of income that supports the monument. Besides that, there is a tourist business as the castle was open to visitors after it was redecorated. They also rear beef cattle in a farm that get sold on to the local market. The beef cows are of a special variety called Bazadais cows, whom are grey in colour with a white stomach and a pink nose. Along with the farm, there is a garden in which vegetables and fruit trees grow, but in the absence of a gardener, this method of self suss-stainment is generally left out.
The local market place in a town called Bazas is where a great Cathedral is situated. It is magnificent to view it, and experience it.
So if you are at anytime in the Gironde region in Aquitaine...check it out!
The king of England at that time was King Edward, but I do not know which one.
It took three years to complete the building of the castle and it has been lived in by the same family for over 700 years! The family only changing names five times. The stone work of the castle is very well done. In the early 19th Century the interior and windows on the outside became redecorated by Violla le Duc, a popular architect at that time. He also installed an extra entrance/exit to the castle. Around the castle outside are large expanses on land on which vinyards grow. There is also land that is let in use to grow poplar trees. The wine that is produced is the main sustenance of income that supports the monument. Besides that, there is a tourist business as the castle was open to visitors after it was redecorated. They also rear beef cattle in a farm that get sold on to the local market. The beef cows are of a special variety called Bazadais cows, whom are grey in colour with a white stomach and a pink nose. Along with the farm, there is a garden in which vegetables and fruit trees grow, but in the absence of a gardener, this method of self suss-stainment is generally left out.
The local market place in a town called Bazas is where a great Cathedral is situated. It is magnificent to view it, and experience it.
So if you are at anytime in the Gironde region in Aquitaine...check it out!