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Origin and history

Château de Saint-Pois is a 17th and 18th century building in the commune of Saint-Pois, in the Manche department of Normandy. This monument, of classical style in the form of horse iron, was partially rebuilt after medieval destructions, notably by the English in 1135. The main façade, built between 1719 and 1759, reflects the architectural influence of the period, with wings opening onto gardens and a remarkable dovecote.

Originally, the Barony of Saint-Pois belonged to the Servin family in the 11th century, before passing into the hands of the D-Auray of Saint-Pois by marriage in the 15th century. The Marquis Beuve d'Auray de Saint-Pois, a member of this line, supervised the reconstruction of the facade in the 18th century. The castle remained in this family for fourteen generations, then was acquired in 1923 by Baron Alexandre Paternotte de la Vaillé, a Belgian diplomat, who undertook restoration work. After a period of post-2014 abandonment, the estate became a private residence again in 2023.

The castle houses a chapel originally dedicated to the Virgin in 1743, then to Saint-Louis, as well as notable architectural elements such as a wrought iron ramp staircase and a large decorated living room. These parts, with facades and roofs, have been protected as historical monuments since 1974. The north wing, less decorated, accommodates kitchens, while the gardens retain a dovecote on two levels with 630 bolts.

Although private property not open to the public, the castle of Saint-Pois bears witness to local history, marked by successive reconstructions and exceptional family transmission. Its architecture, combining medieval heritage and classicism, makes it a representative example of Norman heritage. Available sources, such as the Merimée base or Wikipedia, confirm its inclusion among the protected monuments of the Department of the English Channel.

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