'Journees-du-Patrimoine' part IV, Wednesday for windows, or lack of them...

A building that has intrigued me for many years in this one above. Many of you I'm sure will have noticed it as you drive through the the town of Les Ormes and been impressed by its grand facade without giving it much of a thought. I had convinced myself that it was part of the neighbouring 'La Poste aux Chevaux' (*more on that tomorrow) although its name 'La Bergerie' (the sheepfold) felt like a bit of a misnomer.

We had decided to visit as it was open for the heritage weekend and housed a photo exhibition and I might get to learn more about its origin. It was also just opposite the chateau we had just visited, although we didn't simply walk over immediately * . 

After passing through its impressive doorway we were met by a charming lady who offered us a free coffee and piece of cake * before solving its mystery.

She was a member of the local association responsible for the building’s activities and lucky for us, she spoke perfect English. She explained that the name of the building derives from a rather amusing story. The grand facade was constructed because the chateau’s owner at the time was dissatisfied with the view from the upper floors which looked over the main street of the town and ended with the sight of a field of sheep on the opposite side. This displeased him so much that he commissioned the elaborate facade, to improve his outlook and, perhaps more importantly, to massage his ego. As evidence she produced a photo which showed only the facade and no roof, this was added later. Even then she said it had never actually served any real purpose, neither as a barn or stables.

I was so engrossed that I shamefully, failed to check out the photographs