Chateau Collans, Silhac, Ardèche

Cabin fever. I simply had to go for a walk. This snow and endless grey weather is making me ansty.

Thank goodness I have a nice chateau a brisk fifteen minute walk from the farm.

It looks austere in the snow. But it actually looks austere all year round; that is because it is a fortified chateau; one of many around here.

The castle was built in the twelth century but there was a building on the site in the 11th century. And it makes sense as it faces south and has a perfect view of any marauders coming in three different directions.

I was just marauding in the direction of the letterbox that is attached to its wall.  But in previous centuries it would have been defending its family and dependents from Catholic soldiers.

This is the heart of the Wars of Religion territory in France. The Protestants versus the Catholics, and this chateau was Protestant from the 1600s.

I had to do a bit of a rummage on some websites to check my facts, as it is a private chateau and no one is ever allowed in to visit. Well it is apparently open for two days a year and I never remember when the dates are; September I think.

So for most of us there is only the sticky beak peek into the courtyard if you feel brave. A full time guardian lives in an apartment on the site and I heard that it has just changed hands. The previous owners were an elderly couple who only came for a few weeks a year in summer.

It would be great if it were a family living there again. The all weather tennis court could do with a bit of use.