Who built the Berné dovecote?

Claude Foellix Duffayel de Berne had it built in 1776 to replace an earlier destroyed dovecote, as noted on the building's foundation stone.

What rare material was used in constructing this dovecote?

It is built from rammed earth (pisé), a compressed mixture of earth and straw, with lime render on the interior and decorated with glass fragment inclusions on the surface.

What is the current condition of the dovecote?

The building has sustained significant damage: the roof, turret and four dormers are missing or have been stored away. The external render is damaged, though the interior fixtures remain intact.

Château de Berné

Berné Castle

Saonnet

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saonnet

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Château de Berné stands in Saonnet (Calvados), in the Normandie region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: second half of the 18th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

The Berné castle estate near Saonnet in Calvados is distinguished by its dovecote, listed as a historical monument. Built in 1776 according to a foundation stone inscription, this cylindrical structure nine metres in diameter employs a rare technique: rammed earth (pisé) with lime render decorated with glass inclusions. The castle itself dates from the 17th century but underwent modifications in the 19th century. It is the sole surviving rammed-earth dovecote in Lower Normandy.

What to know

The dovecote has suffered from prolonged abandonment: its roof is gone, the turret and four dormers have been removed and stored in an outbuilding.
The building preserves its original interior fittings, including a rotating ladder and central post supporting the timber frame.
The dovecote contains 1200 pigeon holes distributed across two levels.
The structure lies within the regional natural park of the Cotentin and Bessin marshes.

Where this château is

Saonnet · Calvados · Normandie

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

14330 Saonnet

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA14000022
Period of construction: second half of the 18th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the Berné dovecote?: Claude Foellix Duffayel de Berne had it built in 1776 to replace an earlier destroyed dovecote, as noted on the building's foundation stone.
What rare material was used in constructing this dovecote?: It is built from rammed earth (pisé), a compressed mixture of earth and straw, with lime render on the interior and decorated with glass fragment inclusions on the surface.
What is the current condition of the dovecote?: The building has sustained significant damage: the roof, turret and four dormers are missing or have been stored away. The external render is damaged, though the interior fixtures remain intact.