Shadow Dragon

Manoir de Kermathéman-Braz

October 2026 | France | Ruinous

A 16th century Renaissance manor house in the Côtes d’Armor region…

***

HISTORY: the Manoir de Kermathéman-Braz is a spectacular example of Breton architecture, showing the transition from Gothic to Renaissance architecture. The building was built in two stages – the first between 1520 and 1530 which saw the principal ‘corps de logis’ built, and then again in 1584 when a new wing was built at the rear. This is marked by a date stone.

The building is constructed of neatly squared granite ashlar blocks, and the interior still retains all of its fantastic chimney pieces, which are very typical of Breton architecture. Not much history is available on its uses after the French Revolution in the late 18th century, but it became a farm sometime between the 19th and 20th centuries – old postcards are available showing the Manoir serving as a farm. The build was abandoned, probably in the 1950s given the lack of any modern fixtures. In 2005, it was listed by Monuments Historiques as a nationally important structure. Since then the building has continued to slip further and further into dereliction. The roof is covered by felt and tarpaulin in an effort to keep the weather out. However, the floors are rather rotten and some of the chimney pieces are starting to collapse. Time is running out for this magnificent building.

***

THE EXPLORE: After arriving in France, I hung around St-Pol-de-Léon for a couple of hours, and then I headed straight off for my explores planned for the day. The Manoir was the second stop, and it was a very nice one. Almost all the floors that remain are being supported by wooden props, and even they aren’t helping much with supporting them. Unfortunately, a lot of the upper floors are either gone or just extremely sketchy, so I did not risk venturing off the granite spiral staircase! Wise move because whilst I was there some rotten planks fell from one of the floors. I finished my explore after about an hour or so, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Enjoy the photos!

***