Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The 16th century cottage, located in Routot, Normandy, is a wooden building built in the late 15th century. It represents the oldest building in the commune after the church. Its architecture is distinguished by a traffic gallery on the first floor of the north dropper wall, as well as a ground floor pierced with days illuminating a corridor leading to a spiral staircase, typical of weaver houses. The large room on the ground floor, with a large fireplace, was already divided by a split wall in 1950.

The bays, doors and basements of this manor house were redesigned in the 18th century, partially changing its original appearance. The building owes its name to Guillaume Vallée de Prémare (1597–87), bourgeois of Pont-Audemer who became owner of the premises around 1630. The latter, after having acquired a royal office, climbed the social ranks to serve in the King's Great Falconry (1653), then as the Fauteuil at the table of the monarch (1661). Its rise reflects the importance of this mansion as a symbol of social status in modern times.

Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 3 February 1928, this cottage illustrates the architectural and social evolution of Normandy between the late Middle Ages and the classical era. Its state of conservation and its successive transformations make it a valuable testimony of the Normandy rural heritage, linked to both local crafts (weavers) and rising aristocracy under the Old Regime.

External links