19th Century Manor House – 440 Sq.M. – 7,274 Sq.M. Landscaped Grounds – Remarkable Tree Of France

On the grounds of an old convent founded in 1609, this pleasure residence from the July Monarchy overlooks the Yonne River from its terrace. Surrounding it is a fully walled English garden, where century-old trees keep the secrets of the place. Faux marbles, woodwork, parquet floors, leaded stained glass, and painted ceilings: the original spirit has been preserved and meticulously restored to offer a contemporary lifestyle today.

A rare architecture
The slope of the Saint-Jacques hill inspired the architect to take an uncommon approach: the house has two ground floors. On the river side, a double-ramp stone staircase, backed by the old convent wall, opens onto the terraced garden. On the hillside side, the main floor opens directly onto the upper park, allowing for discreet entertaining. The brick and dressed stone facades are classically strict and topped with four sculpted fire pots. The walls, about 60 cm thick, are double-walled.

Those who shaped it
The original convent owes its existence to Pierre de Gondi, Cardinal of Retz and Count of Joigny, who founded it in 1609. In 1838, the residence was built for a wealthy Parisian bourgeois, following architectural principles popular in the capital, and its design is attributed to a major Parisian workshop of the July Monarchy. The work was led by Louis Roblot (1811-1877), a graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts, who became the city architect of Joigny in 1839. The garden was entrusted to horticulturist-landscaper P. Montarlot, and the ironwork bears the signature of Rémy Garnier.

The art of entertaining
You enter through a gallery with faux marbles (veined Carrara, faux Henriette, and Vert Campan) and original cement tiles. The grand staircase, with its wrought iron railing featuring scrolls and rosettes and a walnut handrail, displays its decorations throughout its height.

On the main floor, the first salon is topped by an oval ceiling painted with a sky of cupids, highlighted by rococo-style gilded stucco clamps. Its Carrara marble fireplace features a carved scallop shell, and the parquet floor is laid in a herringbone pattern. A second salon allows for parallel entertaining. In the dining room, two original stained glass windows with cobalt blue and ruby red cabochons cast a colorful carpet on the floor at sunset.

On the garden level, the office-library retains its Arabescato Carrara marble fireplace. The former billiard room, now a lounge, opens through French doors onto the garden.

Sleeping quarters
On the second floor, the master suite includes a lounge, bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom. Two other bedrooms, each with its own shower room, and a bedroom or office overlook the Yonne valley. Under the attic, an independent apartment and a loft beneath exposed chestnut beams welcome guests or family.

On the first floor, a second master suite could be created without renovation.

In total: 5 to 6 bedrooms, an independent apartment, a loft, and 7 bathrooms and shower rooms.

Discreet comfort
The restoration was thorough: Energy Performance Certificate B—rare for a large historic residence—new double heat pumps, elevator serving all levels, fiber optic internet, mechanical ventilation, and Italian showers. The slate roof is maintained with annual inspections.

An exceptional park and a remarkable tree of France
At the main entrance, a rare century-old Japanese pine spreads a 14-meter-wide canopy, forming a mini canopy. Nearby, on the terrace, stands a venerable exotic tree: a Chinese Thuja that has earned the prestigious and exclusive ”ARF” (Remarkable Tree of France) label.

Classified as a protected natural area and part of the safeguarded sector, the garden is enclosed by walls. It includes 32 isolated yews, a fastigiate yew over 8 meters tall, 21 isolated boxwoods, large lindens, and horse chestnuts. All are centuries old. Anemones, Naples cyclamens, and wild strawberries carpet the ground through the seasons. Squirrels, hedgehogs, and many resident bird species have made it their home. Additionally, a 160 m² buildable plot adjoins the property.

Outbuildings
An automated garage for two cars, a former kennel, a medieval wine cellar, and two gates from 1875 (one for pedestrian access and one for vehicles) complete the estate.

Location
Joigny, a medieval town on the Yonne and a City of Art and History. The house is a few steps from the river, the old town center, the train station, and minutes from an aerodrome. Paris is 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours away by train (hourly service).
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website: https://www.georisques.gouv.fr/