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Origin and history

The Grand Château de Serquigny, located in the department of Eure in Normandy, is a 17th century residence built for Pierre Pecqueult, Dean of Treasurers of France in Alençon around 1681-1683. The castle, of classical style, has symmetrical architecture in brick and stone, with turrets at the ends of the house body. It is surrounded by moat fed by the Charentonne, and its access is via an axial bridge.

In the 18th century, the castle was occupied by Pierre-René de la Roque, seigneur of Serquigny. In the 19th century, it became the property of Marquis Ernest de Croix d'Heuchin, who founded a stud in 1834. During the 1870 war, the castle served as a military hospital. After the death of the Marquis, the estate passes to his daughters, then to the families Vogüé and Keroüartz by alliance.

In 1948, the castle was occupied by the LADAPT association until 2003, before being abandoned and squatted in 2010. A fire in December 2023 partially destroyed the building, including the roof and floors. The town hall of Serquigny, supported by the Fondation du Patrimoine and the Stéphane Bern mission, began security work in 2024, with the aim of restoring the monument.

The castle has been partially listed as historical monuments since 1951, including its facades, roofs, moats, doves and alleyways. Its architecture reflects the classic influence of the seventeenth century, with a court of honour lined with balustrades and outbuildings like a renovated dovecote for tourist use.

In 2024, the town hall acquired the owners' shares in order to unify the management of the estate and facilitate the renovation work. The project aims to restore a vocation to the castle, while preserving its historical and architectural heritage.

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