Gençay : Hôtel des Trois-Marchands

Gençay, which was an administrative center in the 10th century for a viguerie and later for a châtellenie dependent on the Count of Poitou in the Sénéchaussée and the election of Poitiers, is a commercial site energized since the Middle Ages. This 15th century house has undergone several modifications over the centuries, especially in the 19th. Its rectangular plan has been enlarged by an extension in corner return. The building consists of two adjoining buildings, displaying a facade with a storefront, and comprising a floor as well as attic. The facade overlooking the street presents a beam door with a falling side supported by lamp asses decorated with incised cross, while the interior facade has windows with breeches framed by prismatic moldings. The ground floor and the first floor are organized in four pieces, two of which overlooked the courtyard, which house painted monumental chimneys. The street parts keep their cushion windows upstairs and a vegetable patch. A spiral staircase connects the two floors, accessible from the ground floor by a door lined with prismatic moldings and surmounted by an aeclaim to the lintel. Although the building was transformed by various activities, it has preserved interesting elements of Gothic architecture.