Acquisition of timber 1890 (≈ 1890)
Paul Varin-Bernier bought the old estates.
1894
Construction of the appointment
Construction of the appointment 1894 (≈ 1894)
Edited from Jules Renard's plans.
6 juin 2003
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 6 juin 2003 (≈ 2003)
Registration by official order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The old hunting appointment, comprising the access aisle, the enclosures and the three built elements contained therein: the pavilion, the stable and the kennel (box 090 AC 3, placed Haut-bois and Quue de Souffrance): inscription by order of 6 June 2003
Key figures
Paul Varin-Bernier - Banker and sponsor
Acquire the estate in 1890.
Jules Renard - Architect
Designed the plans in 1894.
Origin and history
The former Varin-Bernier banker hunting appointment, located in Val-d'Ornain (Meuse), was built in the last quarter of the 19th century. In 1890 Paul Varin-Bernier acquired a part of the woods from the former estates of the Abbey of Sainte-Hoïlde. This site, conceived as a cynegetical resort, reflects the aristocratic and bourgeois lifestyle of the time, combining nature and architectural comfort.
The plans for the hunting appointment were drawn up in 1894 by Jules Renard, architect of the Varin-Bernier family. The ensemble consists of a central pavilion, a stable and a kennel, arranged in the shape of a U. Its eclectic style, mixing neo-medieval elements, illustrates the aesthetic tastes of the late 19th century, where architectural historicism was in vogue among the elites.
Ranked Historic Monument by order of June 6, 2003, the site also includes access hall, enclosures and the three main buildings. Today owned by a private company, it bears witness to the importance of hunting as a social and symbolic activity for the high industrial and financial bourgeoisie of Lorraine at this time.
