The first follies in Montpellier appeared at the end of the 17th century, under the reign of Louis XIV. These pleasure homes, built by the noblesse de robe and the wealthy bourgeoisie, were distinguished by their refined architecture and distinctive organization.

In the 18th century, they enjoyed a veritable golden age thanks to local architects, notably the Giral dynasty.

The château’s name refers to the omnipresence of water on the estate for centuries. In the past, an ingenious hydraulic system supplied water to the gardens, ponds, and crops via a noria and an extensive network of canals. The word “Piscine” therefore does not refer to a modern swimming pool, but evokes this unique hydraulic heritage that has profoundly shaped the history of the place.

On the site of the château once stood the Mas de la Peyssine, which gave its name to the present estate. This much larger property was originally a hunting lodge.

In the second half of the 18th century, Joseph Philibert de Belleval, President of the Montpellier Court of Auditors, Aides and Finances, commissioned Jean-Antoine Giral to build the present château. The building was completed in 1771.

Through alliances and inheritance, the estate passed through the hands of several important families, notably the Bellevals, then Marthe de Barchy du Cayla, the Princesse de Craon and the Saporta family.

In 1894, the château was acquired by art collector Alfred Henry Chaber. Since then, the estate has remained in the family.