The Guédelon construction project took root in the mind of Michel Guyot in 1994-1995. In 1995, Maryline Martin started looking for land and the first fundings. In 1996, the Association des Compagnons Bâtisseurs de Puisaye was created by the two protagonists who obtained grants and a start-up sponsorship. In 1997, the land was found in the municipality of Treigny (Yonne) and the building permit was filed with the town hall. The site took the toponym of the pond located below: Guédelon. Its preparation began at the end of winter 1997 with four people (a mason, two stonemasons, and a carpenter) as well as the project director, Maryline Martin. The quarry, which had been closed since the 1970s, was cleared by volunteers, paving the way for the construction of the first workshops and the reception barn and the establishment of the perimeter of the future castle.