 The old manor-house was demolished, as it was damp (it was closer to the Dives river-banks than the present building) and built partially into the hillside slope.During the French Revolution, Alexander of Vendeuvre and his family lived at Rouen, their house at Caen having been burned down.As the family didn't emigrate during the Revolution, the chateau was saved from destruction, thus preserving the original décor and most of the furnishings.