Ruffey Castle was originated in the High Middle Ages, on a site previously used as a Roman-era fortified post. Over centuries, it passed through several noble families — among them the families de Brancion, Nanton, de Lugny, and later the Bauffremont and Gontaut-Biron — reflecting the complex feudal history of the region.
 

Architecturally, the original castle featured a rectangular platform bordered by three round towers and one square tower, surrounded by moats carved into the rock on its vulnerable sides (north and west), a fortified curtain wall, and a drawbridge leading to a fortified outer courtyard (basse-cour).
 

In later centuries, the castle was partially destroyed (notably around 1825), and fell into disuse and ruin. Nonetheless, some elements remain visible today — notably the western angle tower, the main residence with its east-side square tower, a right-angled wing with mullioned windows, and massive fireplaces with molded mantelpieces — giving a vestigial but evocative glimpse into its medieval and Renaissance heritage.