Sculpture of St. Michael 1520 (≈ 1520)
Date engraved on sculpted representation.
XVIe siècle
Construction of the mansion
Construction of the mansion XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Period of construction by Varin family.
6 mai 2004
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 6 mai 2004 (≈ 2004)
Total inventory of the mansion.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The whole manor house (Box B 297, placed La Varinière): inscription by order of 6 May 2004
Key figures
Famille Varin - Presumed owner or manufacturer
Associated with the mansion in the 16th century.
Origin and history
The Manor House of La Varinière is an emblematic 16th century building located in Livarot-Pays-d'Auge, Calvados department. Built of wood and torchi, it stands out for its false façade and its seven spans, of which the first four, older, are richly decorated. Sculpture depicts men's heads, fantastic animals and a Saint Michael terrorizing the dragon, dated 1520. The interior partially retains a wooden screw staircase, as well as stacked fireplaces between the large room and the bedroom.
The manor house was built or occupied by a Varin family in the 16th century, then experienced several changes of owners over the centuries. Two construction campaigns were required for its construction. The site is now classified as a Historic Monument, with total protection of the mansion since 2004. Its architecture reflects the techniques and style of the era, while integrating symbolic decorative elements.
Located in the former municipality of Tortisambert, the mansion is a testimony to local history and the evolution of seigneurial dwellings in Normandy. Its state of conservation and its architectural details make it a remarkable heritage, studied and referenced in works such as The heritage of the municipalities of Calvados (Flohic Éditions, 2001) and the works of Arcisse de Caumont on the monuments of Calvados.
