The 21 owners of the Serquigny castle, which was seriously damaged by the fire on December 31, 2023, signed an agreement to transfer their shares to the municipality for a symbolic euro. The municipality temporarily assumes ownership of the site in order to save it from disrepair.
In order to repair the damage caused by the fire, the mayor of Serquigny issued a danger order on January 4, 2024, ordering the owners to carry out emergency work. The first work began on June 3, 2024, under the direction of the local company Terh et Desmonts, reports West France.
The owners agreed to sell their shares in order to avoid bearing the restoration costs, estimated at €475,000 (approximately), indicated Frédéric Delamare, the mayor of Serquigny. Funding for the work is provided by the State and the regional directorate of cultural affairs (Drac) up to 40%, as well as by local authorities and the Heritage Foundation.
The fire started on the first floor of the north wing of the castle around 6:30 a.m. on December 31, 2023. Although there were no victims, the material damage was considerable. Part of the first floor was damaged, the roof and two chimneys were destroyed. The causes of the fire remain unknown to this day.
The castle is a 17th century residence, in classical style, surrounded by a moat and built of bricks and cut stones. The building has been classified as a historic monument since 1951. Remaining privately owned until 1870, it was bought by a real estate developer in the 2000s, who then sold it to 36 individuals.
However, the city mayor is looking for a future owner or manager with a project aimed at preserving the castle, preferably a museum, a foundation or a project guaranteeing the integrity of the heritage.
