The Chateau de Didonne as you see it today was built in the first half of the eighteenth century, although the structure covers the foundations and som remains of the much older Château de la Touche.

The family name Didonne can be traced back in time to the 11^th century but in respect o this house only came into use when its owner bought the barony of another Château situated at Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.

Todays principle dwelling was originally the side wing of the earlier house the remainder of its development as you can see is of a distinctly different architecture and feel.

Major Building works started circa 1730 by Marie de Bechillon and her son the Marquess of Senecterre. The Marquess seems to have adopted the Château as his country home although the greatly increased his property and lands when he aquired the Magistrate of Pisany in about 1738. With other additions in 1758 and 1764 he became Baron of Arvert and Saujon and Lord of Chesnaumoine also having gained part of Bresillas.

The Marquess who later became a Marshall of France died at the Château at a time of planned extensions to the buildings. As he left no male the property and estate was inherited by his daughter who was married to the Marquess of Armentieres.

In later years as the records show us the Didonne ^property changed hands many times. It was sold by the state to MM Bouyer Lambert and Co, the ownership being then transferred to the count Alfred de Grandiere Mayor of Semussac and Royan. It was this gentleman who was responsible in the most part for the elegant home we see today.

Change in families and fortunes meant the house has been owned in turn by a dealer in fine wines a Monsieur Coq, who passed the estate on to his son in law who was a banker from Cognac. Following this man’s death to a Monsieur et Madame Poinsignon. They sold the Chateau to a member of the famous french barndy family martell, his name being Paul Firino and by him brandy was certainly being produced on the estate.

Life’s history has treated the Chateau and village of Semussac kindly, today it has developed into an important agricultural centre.