Assignment to the Oratory 1646 (≈ 1646)
Acquired by the congregation of Rouen.
milieu XVIe siècle
Initial construction
Initial construction milieu XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Logis built for the Royal Hospital of Rouen.
1731
Home extension
Home extension 1731 (≈ 1731)
Add two spans south.
18 mars 1996
MH classification
MH classification 18 mars 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official protection of the monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Logis and barn (cad. A 260): classification by decree of 18 March 1996
Key figures
Congrégation de l'Oratoire de Rouen - Owner (1646–Rvolution)
Manor manager until the 18th century.
Origin and history
The Hautot-Mesnil mansion, located in Montreuil-en-Caux (Seine-Maritime), is a rare example of a house built in the middle of the 16th century for the priests of the Royal Hospital of Rouen. Its architecture illustrates an attempt to adapt the Renaissance cannons to Norman construction methods, notably by using the wood panel. The building is distinguished by a corbelled gallery and a carved decoration representing five allegories of the Vertus (Temperance, Charity, Faith, Prudence, Force), reflecting an ambitious iconographic programme for the period.
In 1646 the manor house was transferred to the Oratory of Rouen, which kept it until the French Revolution. At the beginning of the 18th century, two spans were added to the southern house in 1731, slightly changing its initial structure. These changes reflect the changing needs of the occupants, while preserving most of the original building. The manor house was finally declared a historic monument on March 18, 1996, recognizing its exceptional heritage value, both for its architecture and its decor.
Today, the Manor House of Hautot-Mesnil embodies both religious and architectural heritage, linked to the history of Rouen and Normandy. Its state of conservation, including the house and an adjoining barn, makes it a privileged witness to constructive techniques and artistic influences between Renaissance and classical times. The protected elements (cadastre A 260) underline its importance in the landscape of the Cauchian manors, often characterized by their wooden panels structure.
