Château de Jaques is an impressive 17th-century Monument Historique set in ten hectares of gardens and wooded grounds with an ancient pigeonnier, gatehouse and an old private chapel.
It is the labour of love of its highly creative and colourful owner, an international furniture designer and passionate admirer of all beautiful and historical things, who is slowly bringing it back to life. This is a work in progress, to repair not renew and therefore, preserve this protected monument’s original and charming patina. Here, it’s less about perfection and more about blending in and being part of this historic building and its past.
Construction of Château De Jaques began at the end of the 1600s, on the foundations of an even older medieval castle, built in 1425. The three medieval towers and and the original castle cellars of this period still remain today. The gardens were designed by Le Notre, who was a famous garden architect in his day and well known for the gardens he created at Versailles. It was once visited by Charles II whilst he was in exile and also occupied by the Germans during World War II. The ‘orange’ room, the Bishop’s preferred bedroom and the priest’s confession room, still has the original wallpaper selected by the Earl and the kitchen in this château feels like a step-back-in time.
Village church bells can be heard from the gardens and the bakery is just a short walk outside the château gates; almost close enough to smell the freshly baked bread and croissants. A picturesque 15-minute walk through the woods takes you to a delightful lake, with another lake a little further, and the Marne River is nearby for river cruising and a river beach. There are plenty of lovely walks and cycle paths to explore and horse riding close by.
This authentic and traditional residence feels like an informal country house making it a perfect retreat for families and friends to get together. Home-cooking can be organised and for weddings and special events, quality catering by French ‘top chefs de cuisine’ can be arranged, depending on your style, taste and budget.
Château de Jaques is not a place to stay but an experience…a glimpse of the past, through the cracks and flaws created by the layers of history which made them.
