When was the manor built?

After 1496, on the site of an earlier fortification from the 11th and 12th centuries. The visible parts date from the 15th century for the northern lodge, with modifications in 1743-1744.

What distinguishes this manor?

It is a typical late 15th-century fortified dwelling equipped with defensive elements such as gun embrasures. Its rounded towers and original rectangular plan are characteristic of this architectural transition period.

Can the defensive features be seen?

The defensive systems, particularly the double-slit embrasures, are concentrated in the lower sections of the towers and basement hall.

Manoir de la Motte

Saint-Mards-de-Fresne

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saint-Mards-de-Fresne

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Visite guidée du Manoir du DésertTue, Nov 10 · Manoir du Désert38 km

Manoir de la Motte stands in Saint-Mards-de-Fresne (Eure), in the Normandie region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 15th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

The Manoir de la Motte is a fortified dwelling built after 1496 in Saint-Mards-de-Fresne, Normandy. Constructed in limestone and brick, it retains its original northern lodge with rounded corner towers, later modified in the 18th century. Its defensive features, including embrasures and strengthened lower levels, reflect its protective purpose at the transition between medieval and early modern times.

What to know

The manor has been registered as a historical monument since 2004, along with its seigniorial barn and surrounding land.
The façades and roofing bear traces of three centuries of modifications: 18th-century brickwork on rebuilt sections and timber-framing on the south façade.
The interiors retain original fireplaces and feature two successive staircases, a 15th-century spiral stair and an 18th-century central wooden staircase.
The site likely occupies an earlier castle location from the 11th and 12th centuries, whose defensive function the late manor took over.

Where this château is

Saint-Mards-de-Fresne · Eure · Normandie

Map of the area around Manoir de la Motte

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Imp. de la Motte, 27230 Saint-Mards-de-Fresne

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

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Château phone number

+33 6 78 18 43 89

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

5.0 / 5from 15 Google reviews

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA27000059
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 15th century

Itineraries

Normandy castles in 2 days from Caen

Frequently asked

When was the manor built?: After 1496, on the site of an earlier fortification from the 11th and 12th centuries. The visible parts date from the 15th century for the northern lodge, with modifications in 1743-1744.
What distinguishes this manor?: It is a typical late 15th-century fortified dwelling equipped with defensive elements such as gun embrasures. Its rounded towers and original rectangular plan are characteristic of this architectural transition period.
Can the defensive features be seen?: The defensive systems, particularly the double-slit embrasures, are concentrated in the lower sections of the towers and basement hall.