In 1422, Charles VII granted the Verriere lands to John Stuart for services rendered. It returned to royal ownership in 1672 before Louis XIV gave it to the Duchess of Portsmouth, a favourite of Charles II. Sited in a magical verdant location on the shores of a lake, it inspired Alain-Fournier to write his novel Le Grand Meaulnes. Tours led by guides in period dress, and the chance to spend the night in one of 12 bedrooms.