Château de l'Ébaupinay was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. By the late 15th century, the Lord of Vendel owned the castle and its estate. The structure was reportedly devastated by a fire in January 1794, possibly caused by the Grignon column. However, due to a lack of factual evidence (written or physical traces of the event), it could be a legend linked to the proximity of a battle where another castle in the region was indeed set ablaze.
According to Stéphane Berhault, a heritage architect, similar to other castles in the region, such as the Château de Glénay, the Château de l'Ébaupinay was simply dismantled. This dismantling involved removing roof framework elements and floors to recover materials, benefiting other constructions in the vicinity. The former interior coatings on the top floor still exist, contradicting the theory of a fire.
In the late 2010s, the Corbière family, owners since the 19th century, struggled to save l'Ébaupinay and its five hectares of land, later putting the property up for sale. The castle's purchase and restoration project became the subject of a crowdfunding campaign by Dartagnans. In 2024, the castle was put back on the market.
The castle, dating from the late Middle Ages, features late Gothic style. Its architecture is characterized by five elegant towers flanking a square dwelling with a roof pierced by triangular gabled dormers, which are still in place. The ensemble is topped with a chemin de ronde with machicolations. On the north and east sides of the castle, the moats are still filled with water. The courtyard, with its small guard towers and a dismantled gate, once housed the castle's outbuildings.
References:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.