THE CHÂTEAU DE CORABOEUF THROUGH THE CENTURIES

The origins of the Château de Coraboeuf date back to the 11th century. Over the centuries, its successive owners — lords, marquises, barons, and notable figures — shaped the estate to suit the needs and tastes of their time. Thanks to them, Coraboeuf has, in turn, been a fortified house, a pleasure residence, a tourist site, and a venue for receptions.

THE ORIGINS OF CORABOEUF

Originally, a fortified residence stood here. The Coraboeuf family, a seigneurial lineage from Ivry‑en‑Montagne, held the fief that bore their name for more than 300 years, from the late 11th century to the early 15th century. One of the earliest names to appear in written records as lord of the estate is that of Hugues de Corabœuf, canon of Autun, bishop of Chalon, and chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy.

1400 The Corabœuf estate passes into the hands of the Salins, a powerful family close to the Duke of Burgundy. 1440 The fortified house withstands attacks from the Écorcheurs, demobilized soldiers who terrorized the countryside at the end of the Hundred Years’ War. 1450 The Salins add to the existing buildings the keep, the barn, the Hermitage Tower, the gate tower, the Hunter’s Tower, and the dovecote. 1478 Louis XI orders the dismantling of the fortress. The order is never carried out, and Corabœuf keeps its defenses. 1566 Antoine de Salins marries Catherine de Mypont, whose coat of arms is placed on the kennel, now known as the Hunter’s Tower. 1576 During the Wars of Religion, the fortress is set on fire by the Huguenot army but, although severely damaged, remains standing.

FROM THE 16th TO THE 18th CENTURY

The Salins family died out shortly after the fire, and the estate was then acquired by the d’Esdouard family, who kept it for exactly 100 years. After the marriage of their last descendant in 1677, the château passed to Charles de Saint‑Martin d’Agencourt, then to Marguerite de Saint‑Martin, wife of Sylvestre de Spada, who became lord of the estate in 1738.

1763 Antoine de Spada transfers Corabœuf to Jean‑Baptiste de Richard de Curtil, a King’s Musketeer from Beaune. 1770 Without delay, he remodels the east wing and builds the garden, the pavilion, and the fishpond. Corabœuf now becomes a pleasure residence. 1776 Jean‑Baptiste de Richard de Curtil elevates the seigneury to a marquisate and thus takes the title of Marquis de Richard d’Ivry. 1850 Paul de Richard d’Ivry composes numerous musical works at Corabœuf, including Les Amants de Vérone, a celebrated lyrical drama inspired by Romeo and Juliet. 1860 Paul de Richard d’Ivry undertakes major works, including the construction of the north wing, an excellent neo‑Gothic pastiche. 1903 Upon the death of Paul de Richard d’Ivry, the estate passes to his son, Pierre, ancestor of the current owners, the Law de Lauriston‑Boubers family. Si tu veux, je peux harmoniser toute ta frise dans un style uniforme, moderniser la ponctuation, ou préparer une version prête à intégrer sur ton site.

SINCE THE 20th CENTURY

The Château de Corabœuf entered a new era in the 20th century, marked by extensive restoration work and a gradual opening to new activities. Major projects breathed new life into the estate, while cultural and environmental initiatives anchored this historic site firmly in modernity. The château thus became a place where the memory of the past engages in dialogue with the aspirations of the present, reflecting both a deep attachment to its roots and its role within a living heritage.

1922 At the beginning of the 20th century, Délie de Richard d’Ivry, daughter of Paul, marries Baron Pierre de Law de Lauriston‑Boubers, from a family of Scottish origin. 1940–1945 During the Second World War, Corabœuf is successively occupied by French soldiers, German officers, and members of the Resistance. 1957 Baron Gérard de Lauriston, son of Pierre de Lauriston, takes over the estate while residing in the Lot and launches an ambitious restoration program. 1978 His son, Baron Philippe de Lauriston, settles in the region and remains the château’s principal steward until his death in 1998. 1985 The outdoor areas and the lower hall of the keep—where numerous documents on the estate’s history are displayed—are opened to visitors. 1989 By decree dated 28 August 1989, Corabœuf is listed as a Historic Monument (the keep, the pavilion, and the façades and roofs of the 16th‑century wing and the towers). 1996 An arboretum is created to the northeast of the estate, placing Corabœuf within an environmental awareness initiative. 1999 By decree dated 30 April 1999, the 19th‑century north wing is in turn listed as a Historic Monument. 2011 Inès and Patrice de Lauriston, the current owners, highlight culture by organizing performances and exhibitions at the château. 2025 To preserve the soul of the Château de Corabœuf and continue the restorations undertaken over several generations, the current owners have chosen to open guest cottages. Each night spent at Corabœuf becomes a stone added to the edifice—a promise that this centuries‑old heritage will continue to shine for generations to come.