Kerfol
Kerfol is an estate where most of the story of Wharton’s “Kerfol” is happening, may it be the storyline in the present, or the one in the past. It is located somewhere in Brittany, France.
In the present, it’s kind of a ruined place and has lost most of its former glory; however, that’s what is fascinating the narrator the most; including the dark, mysterious atmosphere. Lanrivain describes it as romantic, but it might be in a sarcastic or euphoric way. A long avenue with old, grey-trunked trees leads to Kerfol and ends in front of a fortified gate. Additionally, the estate is protected by a stonewall that is surrounded by a moat. The narrator describes, that he/she can see a chapel bell tower, a keep, and other tall slate roofs. He/she also notices that the former drawbridge had been replaced by a stone arch, and where the portcullis was, there is an iron gate now. [1]
In the estate, the narrator also finds a park and a garden, which time hasn’t spared either, since it’s covered with wild growths. In the court, there is the main building, abutted to a round tower, and to a chapel on the other end.[2]
In the 17th century, Kerfol was the domain of Baron Yves de Cornault, a noble and powerful man. After he had married the lady of Douarnenez, Anne de Barrigan, she moved in and lived there with Yves and his servants. [3]
While it certainly was a magnificent place, it was also a place of grief and tragedy. The manor became a grave to several dogs and even to the Baron himself who presumably was killed by the ghosts of said dogs. To Anne it was a prison. During the marriage, Yves forbid her to leave the estate and even in there, she was only allowed to walk around with a maid. After Yves’ death, Anne was accused of having murdered him, and even though there wasn’t enough evidence, she got locked away in Kerfol’s keep and this time, it literally became a prison to her for the rest of her life.[4]
[1] Wharton, "Kerfol," 329
[2] Wharton, "Kerfol," 330
[3] Wharton, "Kerfol," 333
[4] Wharton, "Kerfol," 334, 340, 341