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Origin and history

The Château de Saint-Hilaire, located in Bouquetot, Normandy, was built during the first half of the seventeenth century, during the reign of Louis XIII. This historic monument is distinguished by its architecture combining brick and stone, with a square pavilion to the south-east and decorations of varnished cruises. Inside, the staircase and the large living room retain characteristic elements of the 1640s, such as square balusters, monumental chimneys decorated with cariatids, and an equestrian portrait. The chapel, with similar masonries, houses a grey glass roof dating from 1646, representing the harvest of manna.

In 1741 the land of Bouquetot took the name of Saint-Hilaire, still in use today. The estate also includes notable dependencies, including a wood-pan press covered with stubble, which is an example of past agricultural activities. The ensemble – castle, chapel, press room and commons – was inscribed in the Historical Monuments by decree of 12 June 2006, including also the park, walls, gates and avenues.

The interior and exterior decor reflects the artistic influence of the era, with details such as the chimeras on consoles or the L-abside with cut-parts of the chapel. These elements illustrate the know-how of 17th century artisans and the symbolic importance of such buildings to local lords, combining residential, religious and economic functions.

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