Manoir de Coatelan
ManorHidden Treasure
Manoir de Coatelan, located in Prat (Département 22), is a Renaissance château built in the 16th century. The monument is currently closed to visitors.
Key facts
- Type
- Manor
- Period
- Renaissance (16th century)
- Location
- Prat, Département 22, Bretagne
- Visit
- Closed to visitors
- GPS
- 48.6951, -3.2904
- Mérimée Reference
- PA00089546
Nestling in the Breton lands of Prat, the manor house of Coatelan has preserved intact its beamed ceilings and period fireplaces, silent witnesses to a history marked by the wars of the League and the feared figure of Guy Eder de la Fontenelle.
History
In the heart of Côtes-d'Armor, in the commune of Prat, the manor house of Coatelan stands out as one of those discreet jewels that inland Brittany knows so well how to hide between hedged farmland and sunken lanes. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1927, this 15th and 16th century building is an authentic example of Breton seigneurial architecture, preserved from the ravages of time with rare integrity. What makes Coatelan truly unique is the exceptional quality of its interior fittings. The trussed ceilings, typical of Breton construction in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, feature remarkably precise carpentry, where carved oak wood meets grey ashlar. The massive old fireplaces, decorated in the regional tradition, bear witness to a craftsmanship that has now disappeared. These elements constitute an architectural document of the utmost importance for our knowledge of noble housing in Brittany. But it is also the memory of the place that sets Coatelan apart. These walls were home to Guy Eder, known as 'la Fontenelle', one of the darkest and most romantic figures of the wars of the League in Brittany. A feared gang leader, ruthless pillager and protagonist of an era of chaos, he still haunts the stones of the manor house with a presence that is both fascinating and disturbing. Visiting Coatelan is like immersing yourself in 16th-century Brittany, far from the crowds and museum reconstructions. The green setting of the Trégor region, with its moorland and river landscapes, frames the building in a natural setting conducive to contemplation. History and architecture buffs will find much to ponder here, while photography enthusiasts will be able to capture the typically gentle Armorican light.
Architecture
The Coatelan manor house is in the tradition of 15th and 16th century Breton seigneurial architecture, characterised by the sobriety of its exterior volumes and the particular attention paid to comfort and interior design. Built of grey granite, a material that is ubiquitous in the Trégor region, the main building features a rectangular main building topped by a steeply pitched roof, in the image of many noble residences in this rainy region. The openings, mullioned windows and stone mullions, punctuate the façades with a regularity that is characteristic of the transition between flamboyant Gothic and early Renaissance influences. The interior is Coatelan's main attraction. The oak joist ceilings, which are of remarkable craftsmanship, form a network of carefully assembled joists and battens, sometimes enhanced by discreet mouldings. This type of ceiling, known as 'à la française', demonstrates a high level of carpentry skill and a desire for splendour typical of noble residences in 16th-century Brittany. The antique fireplaces, which have survived in several rooms, feature carved granite lintels and jambs adorned with chamfered mouldings and simple but elegant geometric decorations, in the style that was widespread in the western provinces during the reigns of François I and Henri II.
Related Figures
Guy Eder de la Fontenelle — chef de guerre ligueur, pillard redouté de Bretagne, habitant attesté du manoir à la fin du XVIe siècleLes seigneurs de Coatelan — lignée de petite noblesse trégorroise, bâtisseurs du manoir aux XVe-XVIe sièclesHenri IV — roi de France dont l'autorité mit fin aux guerres de la Ligue et à l'équipée de la FontenelleLes artisans charpentiers et tailleurs de pierre bretons — auteurs anonymes des remarquables plafonds et cheminées conservés
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Manoir de Coatelan located?
Manoir de Coatelan is located in Prat, Département 22 department, Bretagne region, France.
When was Manoir de Coatelan built?
Manoir de Coatelan dates back to a period built during the Renaissance (16th century).
Is Manoir de Coatelan open to visitors?
Manoir de Coatelan is currently closed to visitors.