Ref.4893 : 15th-c. listed manor house in need of restoration, with a habitable annexe and garden, in Normandy In the heart of a small village of some 180 souls, at the gateway to the valleys of ‘Swiss Normandy’ – renowned for their idyllic, rolling landscapes dotted with hedgerows – a stunning Renaissance manor house has stood for over 10 centuries. Situated in the heart of the Orne department, in a region of stud farms, lakes and rivers, sharing the countryside with neighbours as discreet as they are reassuring, this manor house remains a local curiosity, its history being so rich in events. Just a few leagues from the shops and services needed for daily life, the property also benefits from its proximity to well-served towns, such as Falaise, less than 15 km away. Undoubtedly aimed primarily at those who appreciate authenticity, this property – which features a renovated annexe – will offer everyone the opportunity to settle in and complete the restoration of the manor house under the watchful eye of the Historic Monuments authority. 1) THE MANOR HOUSE: Its construction dates back to the 15th C. (around 1589). It is a late Renaissance ‘house’, situated at the centre of a complex of farm buildings forming a front courtyard and a rear courtyard. The manor house comprises a main building with its principal façade facing east, featuring a rear wing at right angles to it, adjoining a square tower which was probably decapitated during the Revolution and which contains a fine spiral staircase. The roof is covered with flat tiles, with the exception of the tower, which is temporarily covered with corrugated steel sheeting. The complex comprises two distinct courtyards, both flanked by more or less adjoining outbuildings, as follows: Front courtyard: former stables, equipment sheds, barn, bread oven and well. Rear courtyard: henhouse, pigsty, cart shed, barn and well. There is also a cider house with an attic used for storage. Today, only the structural framework of this building remains, excluding the roof structure and roofing. At the gable end stands a dwelling for the estate’s farm labourers, now in ruins. The manor house has retained a few period features, including several fireplaces, mullioned windows, a watchtower and a semi-circular archway… The cornices and roof structures are remarkable, as are the floor rafters. 2) THE DWELLING : Built of mortared rubble stone over two storeys and topped with a small-tile roof, this house underwent a complete restoration some fifteen years ago, enabling the owners to settle here rather than restoring their manor house. It is now a comfortable home with around 100 square metres of living space, laid out as follows: Ground floor: Entrance leading to a straight staircase with a quarter turn, featuring wooden balustrades with balusters. Access to a bathroom with shower – terracotta tile flooring. Separate toilet with washbasin. Living room (20 sqm), with fireplace (wood-burning stove) – terracotta tile flooring – exposed beams. Ceiling height under beams: 2.30 sqm. Kitchen/dining room (18 sqm) – terracotta tile flooring – exposed beams. Utility room (5.80 sqm). External access. Storage room / Boiler room (3.78 sqm). First floor: Carpeted landing (4.61 sqm). Bedroom 1 with carpeted floor (17.95 sqm), with a mezzanine for additional sleeping space. ‘Cathedral-style’ ceiling. Bedroom 2 with glued solid wood flooring (13.50 sqm) – Tiled shower room with adjoining toilet (recently fitted). ‘Cathedral-style’ ceiling. Ceiling height 4.80 m. OUTBUILDINGS : By definition, every manor house leads a self-sufficient existence, reflected in the presence of a large number of buildings, each with a clearly defined purpose. This manor is no exception to the rule, but the passage of centuries has taken its toll on certain buildings, which are now either completely destroyed or in a state of ruin. Consequently, the location of the farm labourers’ cottage, situated between the gable end of the manor and the former henhouse, can now only be discerned by the presence of a few low stone walls. The bread oven has also disappeared. However, extending from the wing of the manor house, a long building without a roof structure remains, which served as a cider house and cart shed. This 18th-C. building underwent emergency restoration to prevent its collapse, including that of the stone porches. On the east side of the manor house stands an imposing stone building with a tiled roof, which formerly served as stables and a hay barn. This building has now been restored. LAND : The property is situated in the heart of a village of some 180 inhabitants, on the outskirts of the famous and renowned ‘Normandy Switzerland’, including its iconic town of Putanges, less than a league away. It features a wooded and flower-filled park of just over one hectare, offering distant, rolling views of the countryside. Numerous fruit trees (apple, pear, plum, cherry, quince and mirabelle plum) dot this peaceful and serene setting. The grounds require minimal maintenance in the immediate vicinity of the property; a plot to the north, is looked after by a neighbouring farmer, as part of good neighbourly relations. A small stream marks the northern boundary of the property, which covers an area of 2.9 acres. By order of 4 May 1990, the Renaissance manor house was listed in its entirety on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. This property is a historic monument (allowing fiscal tax cuts if you pay taxes in France). Cabinet LE NAIL - Lower-Normandy - Mr Eric DOSSEUR : +33 (0)2.43.98.20.20 Eric DOSSEUR, Individual company, registered in the Special Register of Commercial Agents, under the number 409 867 512 . We invite you to visit our website Cabinet Le Nail to browse our latest listings or learn more about this property.
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