“There was a tree in the big entrance tower”, a jewel saved from ruin, the castle of Rilhac-Xaintrie

On the borders of Corrèze, on the edge of the Cantal mountains, stands the castle of Rilhac-Xaintrie. A magnificent granite building with slate roofs that the current owners have completely restored after 14 years of work.

When Axelle and Michel Hommel decided to acquire the castle of Rilhac-Xaintrie, at the gates of Cantal, the 15th century building was in poor condition.

There was saltpeter on the walls, trees growing inside.

Axelle Hommell Owner of the Rilhac-Xaintrie castle (19)

The owner of the premises continues the inventory of a residence whose maintenance left something to be desired: “A tree in particular was in the large entrance tower. The stone, the beautiful mullioned windows were completely broken. Obviously, no stained glass windows, no openings, but on the other hand, the strength of this house is that in fact, it had remained in its juice.”

During the first visit to the castle, Axelle and Michel swoon in front of the building's kitchen.

This is the place of love at first sight. It really is THE room. When my husband and I entered, we said to ourselves that we couldn't let this castle pass, more in ruins than it was.

Axelle Hommell, owner of the Rilhac-Xaintrie castle (19)

In the kitchen, embedded in the stone wall, a curved water stone on which the water from the dishes flowed outwards. “Everything was very well designed,” adds Axelle Hommell. Next to it you have what we call a vegetable garden. You put the glowing embers of the fireplace fire underneath. We put this on top to keep good cooked dishes warm.”

On their arrival, Axelle and Michel Hommell found, in the attic, a roof that had to be completely redone.

It was even the absolute priority since it was raining in the house. A battalion of carpenters came, I remember in the middle of August. It was a terrible heatwave.

Axelle Hommell, owner of the Rilhac-Xaintrie castle (19)

The priority is to put the castle out of water and take care of the roofs supporting stone and slate tiles.

“Slate is 800 kilos per square meter which weighs on a frame, explains Axelle Hommell. And that, obviously, as soon as there is a warning of danger, it deteriorates very, very quickly. And that’s quite a weight.”

To bring the place to life, the owners had the idea of ​​restoring the barn adjoining the castle so that occasional tenants could organize weddings, concerts and other types of events. Axelle and Michel Hommell have joined forces with other owners of exceptional residences in Limousin to make the most of this precious heritage. “We created a passport for the private owners of Limousin, the passport of the historic residence, explains Axelle Hommell. We try to help each other, to find ideas, tips to develop our houses and ensure that they fit into modernity, that they are not just loads to be dragged around.”

In front of the Rilhac-Xaintrie castle, a large park classified as a Historic Monument since 1958, with yews, chestnut trees and redwoods.

This one is over 40 meters high!

Axelle Hommell, owner of the Rilhac-Xaintrie castle (19)

“It's very amusing, because they are colossi, but colossi with feet of clay, continues the owner. When you tap the bark, it's absolutely soft and soft. We tour it with four or five people, but we are very small, very humble. As with houses, it’s these redwoods that teach us great life lessons.”

Rilhac-Xaintrie Castle, a restored gem that can be visited every summer.