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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Tordouet Manor House is a 15th and 16th century building located on the territory of the former municipality of Tordouet, now integrated in Valorbiquet, Calvados. Originally, this site was a full fief of haubert, a medieval military seigneury. The current manor house was erected in the 15th century by Odon de Saint-Ouen on a castral motte, replacing an old stronghold. Its architecture reflects this dual vocation: defence and seigneurial habitat.

The construction took place in two distinct phases. The first, in the 15th century, concerns the northern part, characterized by thick stone and flint walls, pierced with narrow openings, and a floor made of corbelled wooden panels. The facades had cross friezes of St.Andre and discreet sculptures on the beams. A foothill reinforces the north wall, stressing its initial defensive role.

In the 16th century, the manor house was enlarged to the south in the interests of architectural harmony, covering the same materials (calcareous stone and flint) but with a checkered pattern, replacing the original horizontal bands. A lower and narrower wing was added later, aligned with the style of the second campaign. These changes illustrate the transition between a medieval fortress and a Renaissance seigneurial residence.

The mansion has been listed as a historic monument since June 18, 1927, recognizing its heritage value. Its dominant location, 150 metres north of the church of Saint-Michel de Tordouet, makes it a landmark in the landscape of the country of Auge. Historical sources, such as the works of Arcisse de Caumont or Henri Pellerin, have documented its local importance since the 19th century.

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