A Second Empire chateau set in a 40-hectare wooded estate
in the Manche pasturelands
in the Manche pasturelands
Saint-Aubin-du-Perron,
MANCHE
lower-normandy
50490
FR
Location
Located in the heart of the Manche fields and hedgerows, in the south-western part of Normandy, the estate belongs to a small rural and agricultural municipality in the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Nature Park dating back to the Middle Ages. Situated between the land and the sea, the region is famous for its many historic monuments and varied natural sites.
The next town with its shops and services is less than 5 minutes away by car. The nearest railway station is 30 minutes away and connects to Paris in 2 hours 30 minutes. Finally, it takes just 20 minutes to reach the Atlantic coast and its beaches.
Description
The property is surrounded by hedged pastures, offering a backdrop with a variety of landscapes and woodlands. The enclosed grounds are planted with centuries-old trees. Two paths lead from the entrance to the chateau, bordered by vast, neatly trimmed lawns. Gravel paths with concave or convex shapes form arabesques, while formal French box hedges have been planted to create a maze to the east. There is a large lake behind the chateau on the western side.
The estate was named after a famous prelate, whose portrait still adorns one of the sitting rooms. A member of the Catholic League of France, he was a close friend of King Henry IV, with whom he regularly played chess. Built around 1860 during the Second French Empire, the current building replaced an earlier medieval stronghold, as evidenced by the 14th-century chapel.
Today, the residence is typical of the large country houses of the industrial era, blending neoclassical and rationalist styles.
The property also comprises an orangery, a chapel, a cottage and a bakery.
The estate was named after a famous prelate, whose portrait still adorns one of the sitting rooms. A member of the Catholic League of France, he was a close friend of King Henry IV, with whom he regularly played chess. Built around 1860 during the Second French Empire, the current building replaced an earlier medieval stronghold, as evidenced by the 14th-century chapel.
Today, the residence is typical of the large country houses of the industrial era, blending neoclassical and rationalist styles.
The property also comprises an orangery, a chapel, a cottage and a bakery.
The chateau
The simple, solid central avant-corps sits on a platform inspired by Roman temples. To the west, the central, semi-circular facade is extended by two side wings. To the east, two lateral pavilions project slightly forward to emphasise the perspective. The edifice is of white stone and the slightly salmon-coloured rendering contrasts with the foundation wall beneath the seven openings on the ground floor. Their keystones feature Louis XVI-style mascaron ornaments and flower-filled vases. Two horizontal band mouldings run the length of the wings to mark the different storeys, between the ground floor and the first floor and then between the first floor and the second floor. Echoing the ground floor, the first floor features seven openings, while three roof dormers and two zinc oculi provide brightness and a touch of delicacy. The Mansard-style slate roof is topped with six light-coloured stone chimney stacks. A short flight of approach steps leads to the perron where two lateral doors surround a central opening. All the windows and doors have shutters painted white.
The ground floor
The residence is arranged around a large hallway, with light-coloured Directoire-style wainscoting. In one corner, there is the grand oak staircase with its wrought iron balustrade and Louis XV-style guardrail. To one side of the entrance hall is a small sitting room followed by a closet, and to the other side is an impressive serving room. A final reception room featuring a bar completes the ensemble. A door leads to three large sitting rooms, one of which has been converted into a billiard room. All of them feature panelling painted white in the fashion of the late 18th century or pearl grey, as was customary in the 19th century. Adjoining the small sitting room and opening onto the lake, the Cardinal's sitting room sets itself apart from the other two, in particular because of its brightness.
Marble fireplaces in either Louis XV or Grand Siècle style adorn the various reception areas. All the mouldings and beading of the panelling, cupboard doors and the cornices of some ceilings are enhanced with gilded and tinned lead work. Each of these rooms contains mirrors, some of which feature mercury glass. Knots, palmettes and foliage line or frame the woodwork overmantels. The contrasts are striking, as in the palaces and mansions typical of triumphant classicism. All the floors are of oak with herringbone pattern.
The first floor
The grand staircase leads to a wide landing with herringbone parquet flooring. It serves six bedrooms and en-suite facilities. Each has a bathroom or shower room with a grey marble floor. The bedrooms have warm-coloured wooden floors. They also boast dado rails, marble fireplaces with ornamental overmantels, toile de Jouy wallpaper and walls painted in pastel colours.
The second floor
This storey is designed along the same lines as the first upper level. Seven bedrooms and bathrooms have been fitted out to the same high standards of comfort and sophistication.
The garden-level floor
A long corridor leads first to a family kitchen and a professional kitchen, as well as a dish-washing room, a pantry, a storeroom, the boiler room and the fuel tank. The second section of the corridor leads to two bedrooms, each with its own shower room.
The chapel
A private place of worship first mentioned in the 14th century archives of the chateau, it comes into view at the turn of a path, sheltered by rows of trees. Built of sandstone and soft stone, its exterior walls are defined by the use of in-and-out-bonds. The systematic use of the diagonal arch, both as a construction method and as an ornamental element, is reminiscent of the Gothic style. The raised building is accessed through a double doorway with a pointed arch. Topped with a rose window and various linenfold motifs, its verticality is further emphasised by the presence of a bell tower. The interior is imbued with solemnity. The nave is narrow and the flooring is hardwood. Slender scrollwork columns line the rib vault and the pointed arch windows are filled with white or coloured stained glass.
The cottage
The semi-circular entrance doorway is topped by a gable roof and highlighted by a brick stringcourse. The gable wall has flint bonding. The white doors and frame panels add a touch of lightness to the entire building. Indoors, a vast room with stone walls and straight strip hardwood flooring has been turned into a living room. The other rooms - adjoining bedrooms, shower rooms and a small kitchen under the roof - open onto the parklands.
The orangery
The rectangular building was constructed shortly before the present-day chateau. Access is via the central section of the building, extended by two projecting wings, each with two large, small-paned openings. A red brick stringcourse runs horizontally across each facade. The arched doors and windows have brick surrounds, while the entire building is rendered in an eggshell finish. There are oculi providing plenty of natural light. The slate roof has a coffered gable. Indoors, the vast central hall is impressive for its unusual dimensions and its floor area of around 250 m². The flooring is of flagstones and the ceiling beams are exposed. The complex is designed to host receptions and events, and includes a professional kitchen, lavatories and cloakrooms.
Our opinion
An emblematic Second Empire country residence, this chateau is surrounded by fields and hedgerows and close to the Normandy beaches. From the Gothic chapel to the remains of the ancient fortress, epochs and styles follow on from one another, harmoniously interacting until the 19th century, when lavish festivities took place in a luminous, affluent interior. With its breathtaking maze, the estate is a fine example of the French art of living and an unforgettable backdrop for wedding receptions and great escapes, just a few hours from Paris.
Reference 235430
| Land registry surface area | 38 ha 90 a 60 ca |
| Main building surface area | 514 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 18 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 483.71 m2 |
| including refurbished area | 483.71 m2 |
Aucune procédure en cours menée sur le fondement des articles 29-1 A et 29-1 de la loi n°65-557 du 10 juillet 1965 et de l’article L.615-6 du CCH
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NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
