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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The mansion of Val au Houx, located in the eponymous hamlet of Guégon (Morbihan), is a building dating from the early 15th century, with significant additions to the late 16th century. It stands on a hillside overlooking Sedon, a tributary of the Oust, about 2 km from the centre of town. Its name comes from a deformation of Val au Houlle, with reference to the Du Houlle family, owner of the premises in the 15th century. The site is organized in a closed courtyard, with three housing bodies aligned to the south, outbuildings (bread oven, dovecote, well) and fence walls.

The oldest elements, two houses of the 15th century, retain their original volume and medieval structures. A third body, dated from the end of the 16th century, presents bays and doors with pediments (1570-1580s) reflecting Renaissance changes. The lower room, once opened on the frame, was restored to its original appearance. The mansion belonged to several noble families, including the Du Houlle (18th century), the Couédor, Simon, Barbelat, Cintré (18th century) and Fouquet.

Ranked a historic monument in 1996 for its houses, outbuildings, bread oven and fence walls, the Val au Houx illustrates Breton manoral architecture. Its stone staircase, wooden courière (disappeared but traces of which remain) and built-in fireplace reflect the residential evolutions between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The site, mentioned in 1427 under Guillaume du Houlle, remains a testimony of the seigneurial structures of the region.

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