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Origin and history

Villeray Castle, located in the commune of Moutiers-en-Cinglais (Calvados, Normandy), is a building whose current structure dates mainly from the 18th century. Although redesigned at that time, it retained 17th-century architectural elements, including a pavilion and traces of the earlier building. The estate was embellished by the addition of a French-style garden, typical of the time, and an entrance pavilion. Only part of the initial projects were carried out, with a single pavilion built.

In the 19th century, the castle experienced a major extension with the addition of a western wing, built between 1808 and 1830. This work, carried out for M. de la Choltière, altered the original structure and incorporated decorative elements such as a capital from the chapel Saint-Jean-de-Moutiers-en-Cinglais. The park and avenues were also developed during this period. The interior, on the other hand, preserves mostly the 18th and 19th century layouts, with a fireplace dating back to the first house.

The Château de Villeray served as a model for the later construction of the Château de la Bagotière, located in the same municipality. Since 25 August 2005, parts of the monument — including the facades and roofs of the two pavilions and sphinges — have been included in the inventory of historical monuments. The building, built in limestone, now belongs to a private company. Its architecture and history reflect the stylistic and social evolutions of Normandy between the 17th and 19th centuries.

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