Under €1M: 18th-Century Château on a Private Island on the Marne River
In the Haute-Marne, a classical château by Jean-Baptiste Bouchardon has quietly changed hands — and it’s no surprise. On the market for €986,240 and exclusively represented on both sides by Denniel Immobilier, the 18th-century estate is no longer available, with the agency confirming a signed purchase agreement for the property.
Completed in the early 1700s, the château is attributed to Jean-Baptiste Bouchardon (1667–1742), an architect and sculptor from one of France’s most distinguished artistic dynasties. While his son, Edmé Bouchardon, would go on to serve as royal sculptor at Versailles under Louis XV, Jean-Baptiste left his mark on Haute-Marne through both religious and civic commissions. At this estate, he designed not only the limestone château itself but also its gardens — an unusually complete artistic vision outside of royal patronage. Elevated to a marquisate in 1745, the property remains a rare example of Enlightenment architecture and landscape conceived in unison.
Tastefully restored around 1960, the château remains in very good condition and has been lived in year-round, unlike many historic estates that fall into disuse. Its exceptional garden — designed in 1736 and restored in the 1970s — is considered among the finest in the region, now in full maturity and occasionally open to the public.
At 600 sqm (6,458 sq ft), the interiors balance authenticity and comfort: cabochon stone floors, oak paneling, marble fireplaces, and a library with Corinthian pilasters. Expansive windows line the main floor, opening to formal parterres, terraced lawns, and mature parkland. Secondary buildings include a restored gîte and a vast attic of 350 sqm (3,767 sq ft) with potential for conversion.
The estate spans 5 hectares (12.35 acres), entirely encircled by two branches of the Marne River. Its landscape combines clipped symmetry to the east and more naturalistic compositions to the west, punctuated by a medieval dovecote, arcades, and later additions such as a rose garden and open-air theater.
Located just 2.5 hours from Paris by road or train, the château’s setting is both secluded — on its own private island — and convenient, within minutes of Chaumont and direct rail links to the capital.
It’s no surprise the château changed hands so quickly. A classical residence with intact gardens, year-round habitability, and a private island setting — and all under €1M — is the kind of complete ensemble that seldom lingers on the market.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
