A fortified manor-farm, with outbuildings and 38 hectares of land
in the Calvados area, near to Bayeux
in the Calvados area, near to Bayeux
Bayeux,
CALVADOS
lower-normandy
14400
FR
Location
This property is located 90 minutes south of Bayeux, 20 minutes from the sea and the Normandy Landing beaches, a short way from Cerisy forest, in the peaceful Calvados countryside, among a farmland zone known as the ‘Veine Noire’ whose abundant production boosted the prosperity of the landed gentry from Caen from the Renaissance era onwards. The manor is situated in the heart of a 16th-century former fortified farm, typical of the Bessin area, surrounded by 35 hectares of fertile land. All necessary services, shops and amenities can be found nearby. Paris can be reached in 2 hours 15 minutes from the train station in Bayeux, while Caen-Carpiquet airport is less than 30 minutes away. The easy access to the estate is one of its main assets: despite it being in the middle of the well-preserved countryside and nature, it is easy to get around.
Description
Fortified manor-farms are a typical feature of the Bessin sector. The one in question pays witness to a time of prosperity, when architecture served an enlightened economic ambition, fuelled by the direct cultivation of the land. It was built in the style of medieval fortress and is laid out in a way that gave it defensive control. Behind a monumental gateway with three openings, framed by pilasters and topped with fleuron pinnacles, the vast property is spread out around a courtyard that is practically closed, on one side by the buildings and on the other by the semi-circular moat. The manor stands like a figurehead, before those who visit it.
Opposite, a semi-open cart shed with a series of regular arches is graced with well-balanced and robust lines. The meticulous layout and considerable volumes strike a rare balance between functionality and elegance. Next to this, there is a huge barn that has been modified over time and whose height is today equal to that of a church nave, almost like a cathedral dedicated to cultivating the fields. Another barn, standing perpendicular to the cart shed, closes the northern side of the courtyard. To the west, there are several remarkable buildings one after another: a stone building still houses a press boasting its period mechanisms and a perfectly preserved 17th-century trough, a cottage from the same era parallel to the manor and, lastly, a 19th-century stone and brick building, bearing witness to continuous occupation and successive adaptations. The stone pavilion, which resembles a watchtower, is the second focal point of the courtyard. Its axe head shaped roof, which transforms from lozenge to rectangular in shape, and its façade punctuated by arrow slit windows are listed as historical monuments. The partially filled in moat stands to the eastern flank of the manor and reinforces the defensive character of the estate.
Opposite, a semi-open cart shed with a series of regular arches is graced with well-balanced and robust lines. The meticulous layout and considerable volumes strike a rare balance between functionality and elegance. Next to this, there is a huge barn that has been modified over time and whose height is today equal to that of a church nave, almost like a cathedral dedicated to cultivating the fields. Another barn, standing perpendicular to the cart shed, closes the northern side of the courtyard. To the west, there are several remarkable buildings one after another: a stone building still houses a press boasting its period mechanisms and a perfectly preserved 17th-century trough, a cottage from the same era parallel to the manor and, lastly, a 19th-century stone and brick building, bearing witness to continuous occupation and successive adaptations. The stone pavilion, which resembles a watchtower, is the second focal point of the courtyard. Its axe head shaped roof, which transforms from lozenge to rectangular in shape, and its façade punctuated by arrow slit windows are listed as historical monuments. The partially filled in moat stands to the eastern flank of the manor and reinforces the defensive character of the estate.
The manor
It was built in 1535, is one of the first examples of the second Renaissance in the Caen area and has three storeys. Its light-yellow stone allows the nobility of its origins to shine through. The steep, slate roofs are punctuated by dormer windows and tall chimney stacks, accentuating the impression of the building’s height. The residence was built with a strong desire to be monumental. The asymmetric main façade was designed with stylistic freedom: some of the windows are different in shape and size, while the entrance door is slightly off centre. A sculpted head is discretely inserted in an oculus below a dormer window framed by crafted pediments and imperceptibly attracts onlookers’ gazes. To the rear, the more sober façade was rearranged in the 17th century.
The ground floor
The original volumes were adapted for the comfort of the occupants who farmed the land. Installation of partitions made it possible to create five functional bedrooms and two bathrooms. This level is also made up of a dining room with an adjacent but separate kitchen, as well as two extra bedrooms and a bathroom. The central staircase climbs up to the upper floors.
The first level
This level can be reached via the central stone staircase and includes a centuries old reception room that has remained intact. According to historians, it was fitted out for a wedding. It has an impressively high monumental ceiling as well as a spectacular, 3.70-m tall, finely crafted and moulded Caen stone fireplace. Its rich decoration features mythological figures, hybrid creatures and lozenge-shaped medallions depicting heraldic eagles, winged horses, newts and angels, as well as other symbolic elements for contemplation and interpretation. The rooms originality, volume and profusion of decorative elements have earned it listing as a historical monument. An adjacent an antechamber leads to a second wing, which houses two other bedrooms that share a bathroom. From the lounge, a second stone staircase leads to the upper floor on the attic level.
The second level
This attic level is topped by a decorative roof frame. A monumentally dimensioned fireplace makes it possible to envisage the creation of further living rooms, which were probably previously in use in the 16th and 18th centuries.
The outbuildings, farm buildings and pastureland
The outbuildings, most of which date from the 17th century, were previously separated from the manor by a moat. At present, they are unused and therefore boast plenty of attractive potential for transformation. The manor and its outbuildings occupy an approximately 1-hectare plot, surrounded by 35 hectares of fertile land, most of which is used for pastureland. A deep sense of calm reigns supreme, even though the city is very close.
Our opinion
This property is entirely geared towards reviving the noblest and most authentic of country lifestyles. The manor is steeped with majesty but not ostentatiously and seems to watch over the surrounding fertile land. With the rough beauty of the farm buildings, the elegant austerity of the outbuildings and the gentleness of the surrounding countryside, each element contributes to make a both peaceful and inspiring scene. The estate boasts rare potential for an agricultural or heritage project, or simply for life away from the hustle and bustle, in the midst of stone, land and silence. The history of the place is not merely for visiting but merits continuation. There is an option to lease or purchase a further 28 hectares, making it possible to envisage a large-scale project, as part of a green lifestyle. The farm buildings, which are currently unused, are ideal for any rural activity. The estate’s location near to Bayeux, the sea and historical sites is a further asset.
1 122 000 €
Negotiation fees included
1 068 571 € Fees excluded
5%
TTC at the expense of the purchaser
Reference 137675
| Land registry surface area | 38 ha |
| Main building surface area | 300 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 5 |
Share
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.
