The Château du Bois de Sanzay is located in Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay, between Thouars and Saumur. According to documents of the Saint Laon de Thouars abbey, in 1487 the land was bought from the clergy by François de Beaumont, chevalier Seigneur du Boys de Sanzay. The central building was built in the 15th century, and additions were made in the 18th century.
Built using large blocks of tufa stone for some parts and rubble for other parts, the main building has high chimneys, three monumental gothic fireplaces, an échauguette, a chapel, and cellars. The domain also comprises a dovecote, a French formal garden, and a pond.
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.