The design of the building is traditionally attributed to the Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio, who had been invited to France by King Francis I.

In 1683, the Clermont-Tonnerre family was forced to sell the land of Ancy-le-Franc and the château to François-Michel Le Tellier, minister of Louis XIV.

Following this, he employed well-known landscape architect André Le Nôtre for creating pathways and gardens within the grounds.

The château is currently owned by a private company, Société Paris Investir SAS, which undertook its restoration, and recognition as a national historical monument.

Serlio was able to comply with the weight requirements of the building and its steeply pitched roof in a manner similar to the Château de Villandry, using limestone from Burgundy.

Inside the château, there are murals from drawings of Primaticcio or Niccolò dell'Abbate, as well as coffered ceilings, fine wood carvings, and various colorful ornaments.