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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Yville, built in 1708 on the plans attributed to Jules Hardouin-Mansart, replaces a medieval mansion destroyed in the same year. Commanded by François Le Menu de Lanoé, king's secretary adviser, its construction was interrupted in 1717 by the bankruptcy of the owner. The estate then passed into the hands of creditors, including the financier John Law de Lauriston (1720-1723), before being awarded to Jean-Prosper Goujon, Marquis de Gasville and intendant of Rouen.

The works are carried out under the direction of architect Jean-Jacques Martinet (1723-1735), who completes most of the structure in limestone and brick, with sculpted details inspired by hunting. The wrought iron ramp of the large staircase, commissioned in 1766 by Louis Gérome Hegaux, marks the culmination of interior developments. The estate, including chapel, enclosed park, pool and game park, is part of a monumental landscape between Seine and the hillside, reflecting the taste of 18th-century pleasure houses.

In the 20th century, the castle changed hands several times: the Maures de Malartic family inherited until 1943, when it served as a command post at the 21st and then at the 9th German Panzerdivision. Repurchased in 1983 by Michel Frances, who restored it entirely, the estate was finally sold in 1997 to an English owner. Ranked Historic Monument (1931 for the castle, 2002 for the whole estate), it bears witness to the architectural fascists and economic turbulences of its time.

The chapel of the castle, built 150 feet from the house, dates from the 13th century according to tradition, although rebuilt or integrated in the 18th century. The gardens, initially in poor condition (300 trees and six squares reported in 1723), were replanted under the direction of Martinet, with lime prospects and a gazebo on the hillside. The game park, located in the commune of Barneville-sur-Seine (Eure), completes this exceptional landscaped ensemble.

The architecture of the castle combines classicism and elegance, with a framed facade of wings in return, a peristyle with ionic columns, and allegorical sculptures related to hunting. Local materials (calcareous stone, brick, wood panel) and the techniques of the period (slate, window tiles) highlight its regional anchoring. Despite periods of abandonment, as in the 19th century, successive restorations preserved its original character.

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