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Origin and history

The Château de la Pihoraye is a building dating from the 3rd quarter of the 17th century, although some sources evoke a construction in 1765 in the style of the 18th century malouinières. This discrepancy could be explained by historical changes or confusion. Originally located in Pontmain (Mayenne), its current administrative address also places it in Saint-Ellier-du-Maine, perhaps reflecting old territorial breakdowns or errors of location in databases.

The castle was sponsored by Eugene de Valory and his wife Gabrielle d'Auray de Saint-Pois, members of the local nobility. The lords of the Hautonière, from Fougerolles-du-Plessis, made it their main residence, thus replacing their former residence. The estate is organized around a French park, decorated with rhododendrons, and has architectural features inspired by the malouinières, these residences of 18th century Malouin merchants.

Ranked a Historic Monument since 6 October 1976, the castle sees its facades and roofs protected by decree. This inscription underscores its heritage interest, although sources diverge over its exact period of construction (17th or 18th century). The available data also mention an approximate location, with a level of accuracy considered "passible" (note 5/10), suggesting geographical uncertainties or changes in communal boundaries over the centuries.

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