Château de Monthimer: A Historic Residence in Normandy
Site at a Glance
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- France
- Primary era
- Modern
- Eras represented
- Early Modern, Modern
- Civilizations
- French
- Site type
- Domestic
- Remains
- Castle
On this page6 sections
History
Château de Monthimer is a historic residence in La Perrière, within Belforêt-en-Perche in Normandy, France. Its origins lie in a square residence built in the mid-sixteenth century.
Sixteenth to eighteenth centuries
The estate’s cylindrical tower is the last surviving remnant of its first enclosure, though the tower’s construction date is disputed. Major alterations changed the manor in the late sixteenth century, including the addition of a pavilion on the south facade in 1581. Further work followed during the eighteenth century.
Late nineteenth-century transformation
At the end of the nineteenth century, the owner radically transformed the complex, giving the château a substantially altered character.
Remains
The château stands at the edge of the Bellême Forest. Its main residence and adjoining rear pavilion are joined in the principal building group, while a cylindrical tower stands to the west. The complex combines earlier fabric with later design features.
Residence and pavilions
The residence retains part of its southeast gable from the original building phase, as well as a substantial pavilion adjoining the rear facade. A separate pavilion is positioned on the south facade. The château’s later appearance blends neo-medieval forms, drawing on medieval architecture, with Hispano-Moorish features associated with Spanish Islamic traditions.
Western tower
The cylindrical tower is crowned with machicolations, projecting openings or galleries traditionally used to defend the base of a fortification. Its doorway, dated 1506, is in the Flamboyant Gothic style, a late Gothic style associated with elaborate, flame-like tracery. The tower’s timber roof frame dates to 1742.
