More of a palace than a château, Serrant has travelled through centuries without sustain any damage. The Renaissance château is built on the foundations of a medieval fortress. In 1749, the estate was sold by the last surviving descendant of the de Bautru family and was bought by Antoine Walsh, a shipowner whose family were exiled Jacobites. As well as redecorating the interior of the castle, the Walsh family built an English style park, pavilions, and a monumental gate complete with the family crest. The château eventually passed out of the hands of the Walsh family in 1830 when Valentine Walsh de Serrant married the Duc de La Trémoïlle. La Trémoïlle assigned Luciene Magne the task of restoring the castle and several features, including parapets and cornices, were added. The La Trémoïlle family still own the château, and in the 20th century it was modernised with cellars and the introduction of electricity. As you can see, it presents similarities with Valençay, Villandry and Chenonceau.  All very wonderful places to visit. The castle is notable for the library, stocked with 12,000 books; the vaulted halls, originally home to the kitchens; and Napoleon's bedroom, which was never used by the Emperor as he stayed at the castle for only two hours.  The chapel is also the final resting place for many of the Trémoïlle family (many of whom died from tuberculosis or during the flu pandemic of 1918).  If it isn't cold and raining, as it was on the day I visited, a walk through the park would be quite enjoyable I think.