Manoir de la Saucerie, Manor estate in Domfront en Poiraie, France.
Manoir de la Saucerie is a fortified manor estate in Domfront en Poiraie with two circular towers flanking the entrance gate, their upper sections built with timber framing, and a central rectangular structure crowned by a dome. The site also contains an octagonal dovecote and a well that visitors can view from the grounds.
Eleanor of Aquitaine granted these lands to Robert le Saucier in 1198, who built the first manor on a moated mound near Domfront Castle. During the 15th century, the Doynel family rebuilt and reinforced the structure, creating the fortified residence that defines it today.
The entrance gate displays the coat of arms of the Doynel family, who shaped this property into a fortified residence during the 15th century. The name 'Saucerie' comes from Robert le Saucier, the original founder, keeping his memory alive in the landscape.
The ruins can be viewed from the outside, with the fortifications and dovecote visible from various angles around the grounds. It is best to visit in daylight and wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain is uneven and parts of the structure show their age.
The round towers feature numerous embrasures designed specifically for culverins, small cannons that strengthened the property's defenses during its fortified period. The chestnut wood roofs were intentionally shaped to resemble inverted ship hulls, an unusual architectural choice that sets them apart.
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