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Origin and history

The castle of Auteuil, located in Berneuil-en-Bray in the Hauts-de-France, finds its origins in the seventeenth century, although the primitive castle was destroyed at the end of the sixteenth century. Abandoned for the benefit of another nearby castle, it remained more than the bases, the platform and the moats. This site was entirely rebuilt in the 1850s, almost identical, with a remarkable neo-17th century style, including a staircase with balusters and interiors preserving parquet floors, panelling and period paintings. This stylistic choice, inspired by the 17th century for a 19th century construction, remains atypical for the period.

Delayed until the 19th century, the castle was rehabilitated by Count Archambault of Combault d'Auteuil, who made it his residence. When he died in 1892, the estate moved to Kergorlay's family. In the 20th century, the vast French-style park, including gardens, meadows and hunting woods, was dismantled. The castle changed hands several times: bought in 1990 by the painter Hiri, then in 2001 by Mouna Ayoub, a personality of the Lebanese jetset, before being transformed into guest rooms in 2003 by its new owners.

Since 2007, the facades, roofs, the platform surrounded by moat and adjoining plots have been protected as historical monuments. The castle, now owned by a private company, illustrates an architectural reinterpretation of the 17th century by the 19th century, while retaining original interior elements. Its history reflects the social and economic changes of the nobility and then industrial aristocracy, before becoming a contemporary tourist destination.

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