CHATEAU DE MALLE - HISTOTY OF FAMILY - A SUPERB ABODE - ITALIAN GARDENS - VISIT

Château de Malle and its gardens are classified as historic monuments. Its construction under the vigilant eye and with the tender loving care of Jacques de Malle goes back to the beginning of the 17th Century. The architect remains anonymous but he managed to design two different facades - Classical in front and Renaissance at the back - whilst retaining perfect harmony in the overall structure and a beautiful balance of the building. The Italian influence is clearly marked.

The building was entered, as was the custom at that time, from the forecourt surrounded by the buildings which have now become the cellars. The main courtyard which gives direct access to the Château forms an elevated terrace. The Château, constructed in the shape of a horseshoe, is a straightforward one storey building with a tiled roof. A central two storey pavilion with a slate – tiled roof in the Mansard style forms the dominating feature. Two round towers topped with slate domes in the Imperial style are situated at the end of each of the inward facing wings. By tradition the chapel occupies one of these towers.

The entrance hall is wainscoted in woodwork “à la capucine” of the Louis XIV period, that is to say, simply waxed. The furnishings are covered in Cordoba leather dating from the 17th Century. The beautiful stonework fireplace and the four doors also date from the same period. The ancient billiard of unusual dimensions should be noted.

The great drawing room has been entirely restored. Unfortunately, only the marvellous mosaic parquet flooring of fruit tree wood from the Restoration Period and the ceiling made from boxwood in the form of small square shaped boxes resisted the attack of termites. All the furniture in this part of the house dates from the 18th Century. The walls are decorated with three 17th Century mirrors displaying the de Lur-Saluces family coat of arms together with numerous paintings.
In the library which leads into the oldest part of Malle, one can admire a remarkable roll-top desk from the 18th Century as well as a collection of ancient works of art. The decoration is completed by family souvenirs.
The room called the “cardinals’ Chamber” is furnished entirely in the style of the 17th Century. In the alcove is a four-poster bed covered in original chintz, referred to as “persian cloth” which is still in perfect condition. One of the very rare paintings of the Duke of Epernon, lord of Château de Cadillac, hangs over the fireplace.
Its beauty, and the originality of its paintings and furniture definitely make of Château de Malle an obligatory visit on the flamboyant circuit of historic Châteaux along the banks of the Garonne river.