The Manoir
History of the Manoir de Saint-Prex
The Manoir de Saint-Prex, otherwise known as the ”house on the point” or the “little chateau”, is rich in history, having played a part in the history of the town for almost 800 years. Discover the key moments in this exceptional location’s history.
The Manoir dates back to the foundation of the town of Saint-Prex in 1234
When visitors made their way into the town through the beautiful arched gateway, atop which is the clock tower, the lake was hidden from view by a large residence that protected the town’s main street against the winds. The Manoir, which was then known as the “little chateau”, has played a strategic role in the town ever since, due to its geographical position on the tip of the Saint-Prex peninsula.
Major transformations of the garden and the residence in the 17th century
Despite its importance in the life of Saint-Prex, the history of this building can only be reconstructed since 1674, year in which it appears on the cadastral map, the land register, for the first time. The Le Fort family, owners of the Manoir, carried out development works that are visible to this day, giving the Manoir its tower as well as the offices in the garden.
The enormous plane tree, a timeless landmark in Saint-Prex, was planted in the 1660s.
During the 19th century, the Manoir belonged to the Forel family, and it became a site of political importance.
The Manoir was subsequently occupied by several generations of the Forel family.
In 1821 it was home to Alexis Forel, member of the Grand Council of Geneva, an economist and entomologist, who wished to place scientific progress at the service of the well-being of his fellow citizens. He was the grandfather of the artist-engraver and collector Alexis Forel, to whom we owe the museum of the same name in Morges.
In the 20th century, the Manoir began to open to visitors for cultural events
In 1902, the Manoir was home to Silvestre Forel, who would become mayor of Saint-Prex and his wife Lucie who sponsored and supported all the social work in the town. In 1946, Dr Oscar Forel, the son of world-renowned entomologist August Forel, would inherit the mansion. After modernising the house to bring it up to modern comfort and hygiene standards, Dr Forel decided to develop his patronage of the arts and turned the Manoir’s vast cellar into a concert hall, opening it to visitors.
For almost 40 years now, the von Overbeck family has hosted events at the Manoir
In 1983, the von Overbeck family purchased the Manoir, and they continue to host artistic events.
Jan and Martine von Overbeck are the second generation to live in this unique location and will be your hosts for all your professional or private events.
The hosts
A warm, personal welcome
Jan and Martine von Overbeck live in the Manoir de Saint-Prex and are keen to share their family home with their guests. They have renovated the ground floor of the Manoir with care, transforming it into an independent, one-of-a-kind, functional and welcoming space that will adapt perfectly to your professional and private events or customised functions. They will welcome you at the Manoir and work with you to set up the spaces so that they fulfil your requirements and make you feel at home.
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