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Origin and history

Pregentil Manor House, also known as Frégentil Manor House, is a historic monument located in the commune of Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas, in the Hautes-Alpes. Its construction would go back to the early 16th century, although the sources do not specify the exact circumstances of its foundation. At the end of the 19th century, it still retained a round tower that had disappeared today, but its facade remains a notable architectural testimony, with an acclaimed lintel adorned with a coat of arms attributed to the Arnaud family.

The name "manor house" is unusual for this region, where this term was not commonly used. It is difficult to determine whether this name dates back to medieval or modern times, or whether it was later imposed, perhaps in the 19th century, during a renewed interest in local heritage. The building, partially altered, was inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 13 September 1988, thus protecting its most remarkable elements, such as the house and its carved decoration.

The coat of arms on the door lintel suggests a connection with the Arnaud family, although the archives do not allow for the certainty of their role in the construction or occupation of the premises. The building, now devoid of its original tower, illustrates the transformations of the Alpine seigneurial residences over the centuries, between partial abandonment and late preservation efforts.

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