Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The villa le Manoir, located in Grandcamp-Maisy in Calvados, is an iconic building of the early twentieth century. Built in 1909 by architect Gustave Umbdenstock, it embodies the anti-modern and regionalist current of the time. Its architecture, marked by neo-normand elements such as angle towers with peppers, a glazed gallery and fake wooden panels, makes it an archetype of the picturesque villas of the region. The villa, located on the seafront, combines traditional aesthetics and practical functionality, with a plan designed to meet the needs of its occupants.

The villa was listed as historic monuments on October 3, 2006, including the main house, garden and common house. According to unconfirmed sources, it was occupied by German soldiers during World War II. Today, it belongs to the Audrain family and is located at 27 Gambetta Street. Its inscription as a historic monument underscores its heritage and architectural importance, reflecting a pivotal period in the history of Norman architecture.

Gustave Umbdenstock, architect of the villa, was a supporter of regionalism, a movement opposed to modern trends of the time. The villa le Manoir illustrates this approach by its neo-norman style, which draws on local traditions while integrating functional innovations. The precocity of its construction makes it an early model of this type of architecture, influencing subsequent achievements in the region. Its seafront location and design make it a unique testimony to the evolution of seaside residences in the early twentieth century.

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