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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Beuzeval Castle is a building built on horseback in the communes of Houlgate and Gonneville-sur-Mer, Calvados. It replaces a 17th century seigneurial mansion and a chapel, vestige of an old parish named Beuzeval, evoked by Arcisse de Caumont in 1862. This historic site therefore existed at the present castle, bearing witness to an ancient occupation of the place.

The present castle was commanded by Jules Lecesne, a Havre shipowner who became a member of parliament in 1869. For this project, he appealed to the Kenyan architect Martial Pelfresne, who opted for an eclectic style characteristic of the 1865s. This choice reflects the architectural trends of the time, mixing influences and various ornaments to create a monumental and picturesque building.

Since 21 June 2004, the facades and roof of Beuzeval Castle have been listed as historical monuments. This protection recognizes the heritage value of the building, both for its architecture and for its anchoring in local history. The castle thus illustrates the Norman built heritage of the 19th century, marked by the rise of bourgeois residences and eclectic architectures.

The monument is part of a territory where maritime activity, notably via the port of Le Havre, played a major economic role in the 19th century. Sponsors such as Jules Lecesne, shipowners enriched by trade, invest in prestigious properties, symbols of their social success and regional influence.

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