Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The château de La Houblonnière is a medieval residence erected in the 15th century, then profoundly renovated in the 16th century. Located in the Calvados, it is organized around a rectangular courtyard of honor, accessible by two doors (pi surprise and carter) surmounted by accolades and a six-pointed cross. A portal flanked by a schauguettes and a 16th century cylindrical tower, transformed into a dovecote, reinforce its defensive aspect. The main house body, of Renaissance style, is completed by an 18th century wing, mixing stone and wood.

Originally, the fief belonged to the Guérin family (or Guarin): in 1458, Jean Guérin declared his house strong to the king. In the 16th century, the family of Oynville became its owner and built the present castle. The 17th century saw the seigneury pass to the Corbeyran de Cardillac, then to the Val de Bonneval, which retained it until 1860, despite a brief dispossession during the Revolution. The domain thus illustrates the architectural and social evolution of the Norman nobility over four centuries.

Ranked a historic monument in 1927, the castle combines medieval defensive elements (murder, round road) and Renaissance decorations. Its portal, scauguettes and tower-colombier bear witness to its dual role: seigneurial residence and symbol of power. Subsequent transformations (XVIIth-15th centuries) reflect adaptation to aristocratic lifestyles, while preserving original structures.

Historical sources, such as the works of Arcisse de Caumont (1867) or those of Philippe Déterville (1989), underline its importance in the heritage of the Pays d'Auge. Today, the castle remains a remarkable example of Norman architecture, mixing medieval heritage and Renaissance influences, in a preserved rural setting.

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