Coutances, La Basse Normandie 50200

In central Manche, a 17th-century townhouse and its walled garden, 15 minutes from the sea. Just a few steps from the town center, the Pacquet de Beauvais Hotel was built around 1650. Organized around a central body flanked by two wings, it opens onto a gravel courtyard closed on the street side by a monumental gate. Over its history, the building notably served as the residence of several magistrates, then that of Rear Admiral Jacques Félix Emmanuel Hamelin, known as Lhermitte, before housing the Coutances sub-prefecture from 1802 to 1830. The slate roof crowns all the buildings. The ashlar façades, pierced by tall mullioned windows with shutters, are topped with slate roofs and punctuated by dormers with pediments. A wisteria-covered trellis runs along the elevations and highlights the main entrance, accessible by a few stone steps. With a living area of about 285 m² spread over two main levels, the residence includes several reception rooms, an office, and five bedrooms. Part of the floors, stairs, and original woodwork have been preserved. The 17th-century ceramic tile floors are also among the houses notable ancient features. At the rear, a walled garden of about 600 m² extends the property to the north. Vast vaulted cellars, attics, and various outbuildings are accessible there.