Construction of the mansion 1ère moitié du XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Edited by Jacob du Houlley, Sieur d'Anfernel.
1789-1799
Refuge during the Revolution
Refuge during the Revolution 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Abbé Huet is hiding.
début du XVIIIe siècle
Construction of the chapel
Construction of the chapel début du XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1804)
Add to existing domain.
4 juillet 1980
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 4 juillet 1980 (≈ 1980)
Fronts, roofs and outbuildings protected.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Façades and roofs of the mansion, of the seven buildings of the communes (including the dovecote) and of the chapel (see E 164): inscription by order of 4 July 1980
Key figures
Jacob du Houlley - Sir of Anfernel
Suspected owner of the mansion.
Abbé Huet - Curé de Courtonne-la-Meurdrac
Refugeeed during the Revolution.
Henri Pellerin - Local historian
Studyed the origin of the name *Anfernel*.
Origin and history
The mansion of Enfernelle, also called Anfernel, is a house built in the first half of the seventeenth century on the town of Courtonne-la-Meurdrac, in Calvados. It is distinguished by its quadrangular plan and its facade adorned with a decoration in chessboard of pink bricks, flint and cut stones. The estate includes a half-timbered press and an 18th century chapel, reflecting its historical and architectural importance.
According to the sources, the mansion was built by Jacob du Houlley, Sieur d'Anfernel. The name Anfernel could come from the family of Anfernet, owner of the land before the Hundred Years War. During the French Revolution, Abbé Huet, a local priest, found refuge there, illustrating his role as a place of protection during the political unrest.
The facades, roofs, commons (including a dovecote) and chapel have been listed as historical monuments since 4 July 1980. The site dominates the valley of the Courtonne, highlighting its strategic and landscaped location. Local and regional archives, such as those cited by Henri Pellerin, enrich the knowledge of his history.
The mansion reflects the architecture typical of the seigneurial residences of the Auge Country, with local materials and a characteristic spatial organization. Its press and chapel add to its heritage value, combining agricultural, religious and residential functions. Bibliographical references, such as those of Philippe Déterville, confirm his anchoring in Norman history.
