Anchettes Castle, Venthône, Valais

Located on a sun-drenched hillside, slightly above the town of Sierre, Château d'Anchettes overlooks the Rhône Valley. This perfectly preserved estate, whose central core dates back to the Middle Ages, has been enlarged and modified over the centuries. Inside, the centrepiece of the holiday residence is a splendid panelled state room dating from 1667.

The Château d'Anchettes is located near the village of Venthône, in the heart of the Valais vineyards, in the medieval hamlet of which it is the central feature, alongside a chapel and a few traditional farm buildings.

From the 13th century onwards, the d'Anchette family, who originated from the area, rose to nobility before dying out around 1400, leaving behind beautiful opus spicatum walls in the cellars. The estate then passed to the de Platea family, whose coat of arms can still be seen on site.

In the 17th century, the castle took on its current form with the addition of the square tower to the north, an eastern wing decorated with classical arcades, and then the Baroque chapel of Notre-Dame du Mont-Carmel in 1649.

In 1667, the panelled Great Hall was fitted out, becoming the heart of the residence. Since that time, the de Preux family, heirs to the estate, have lived there and run the estate, particularly the vineyard. Today, part of the château has been converted into holiday accommodation around this ceremonial hall.