I have been living in this little village near Vézelay, in Burgundy, for ten years. That’s how I found out that the chateau was for sale. We purchased it from a family and it was handed over to us fully furnished and decorated, after having been closed for 15 years. We discovered a house where it seemed as if time had stood still, which we wanted to wake up rather than transform. Our project involved breathing new life into it whilst preserving its spirit and family-oriented character. Today, the chateau can be rented out in its entirety and can accommodate up to 30 people for holidays, seminars, intimate weddings or family gatherings.
The present-day chateau, built in the 19th century on the ruins of an older building, bears few traces of its origins, either in the archives or in its architecture. As early as the 15th century, a seat of power, probably organised around a four-tower layout, is thought to have existed on the site. In the 19th century, the Destutt d’Assay family undertook major works to extend the house and reorient its western facade towards the view of the Cure Valley and the Vézelay hill. Three of the four towers remain, having been remodelled at that time, along with an elegant staircase tower. In the 1970s, the Desmarais family restored the facades, exposing the stonework on two of them. The rooms on the garden level, with their vaulted ceilings which now house the kitchen and dining areas, may be the remains of the original dwelling.
The chateau is first mentioned in the 9th century in the Benedictine Annals. Following repeated raids during the Middle Ages, particularly during the Hundred Years’ War, Francis I authorised the construction of ramparts around the market town and the first castle complex in 1537. The Scottish family of Estutt d’Assay, who had been settled in the region since the 15th century, restored the estate to its former glory from 1767 onwards. Plundered and partially destroyed during the Revolution, the chateau was rebuilt in 1847 by Henri d’Estutt, and subsequently altered by his descendants. Acquired in 1910 by the Millet family, then passed on to the Desmarais family, it remained a family holiday home before standing empty for more than 20 years. Tarboiseau is situated in a historic wine-growing region. Following the removal of the vineyards, the Vézelay appellation, which was recognised in 2017, is gradually being revived. Established in 2018, Domaine Sainte-Madeleine now cultivates 14 hectares of organically farmed land and has set up its winery in the chateau’s former stables, which were refurbished in 2022 following our acquisition.
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We wish above all, to offer our guests the opportunity to experience the warm and authentic atmosphere of a genuine family chateau during their stay, It is furnished and decorated in keeping with its original style, offering exceptional views of Vézelay and the Cure Valley. We wanted to extend the life of this house without altering its character. Once here, each guest can tailor their stay to suit their own tastes. There is a heated salt-water swimming pool, a tennis court, French billiards, table tennis, boules or the library, where guests love to linger in an armchair amongst the old books. The gardens, with their circular pond and rolling countryside, are also ideal for a stroll. We can organise a tour of the Sainte-Madeleine vineyard and a wine tasting.
Art lovers can visit the Zervos Museum in Vézelay and the Zervos House in La Goulotte. Christian Zervos, who founded the magazine “Cahiers d’Art” in 1926, was one of the leading advocates of the 20th-century artistic avant-garde. Bazoches Chateau, acquired by Vauban in 1679, is another heritage gem. For a gourmet experience, the Chateau de Vault-de-Lugny is home to the Michelin-starred restaurant "Le Valucien". In the summer, the terrace at the Domaine de la Croix Montjoie in Tharoiseau turns into a lovely wine bar. Finally, the country lanes around Tharoiseau and Vézelay are ideal for walking, following in the footsteps of the pilgrims on the Way of St James.
The estate covers six hectares, including three hectares of grounds surrounding the chateau. The outdoor areas offer a wide variety of scenery, as well as a remarkable view of Vézelay and the Cure Valley. The 1,400 m² château, spread out over four floors, comprises around 20 rooms with a variety of interior styles: 15 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, a large reception room, a conservatory, an orangery, drawing rooms and a library. There is accommodation available for 25 people.
ref 927349
The chateau’s wine estate produces three wines under the Vézelay white appellation, as well as white and red Burgundy wines made using organic viticulture, and offers tours of the estate and wine tastings.
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.jpg "A Burgundian chateau overlooking the Vézelay valley in the heart of the village of Tharoiseau, in Yonne - photo n°6")
.jpg "A Burgundian chateau overlooking the Vézelay valley in the heart of the village of Tharoiseau, in Yonne - photo n°8")
.jpg "A Burgundian chateau overlooking the Vézelay valley in the heart of the village of Tharoiseau, in Yonne - photo n°20")
.jpg "A Burgundian chateau overlooking the Vézelay valley in the heart of the village of Tharoiseau, in Yonne - photo n°6")
.jpg "A Burgundian chateau overlooking the Vézelay valley in the heart of the village of Tharoiseau, in Yonne - photo n°8")
.jpg "A Burgundian chateau overlooking the Vézelay valley in the heart of the village of Tharoiseau, in Yonne - photo n°20")
