Historic house with wooded garden and access to the Marne on Île Fanac in Joinville-le-Pont

Situated on Île Fanac—a secluded, pedestrian-only enclave on the Marne River—this property offers 122 m² of living space and a total footprint of nearly 189 m², set within a wooded plot of approximately 1,400 m².

It is a unique address, located less than a ten-minute walk from the RER A station and Rue de Paris; here, the bustle of Joinville-le-Pont fades away within just a few steps, screened by lush greenery.

Attributed to Jacques-Ignace Hittorff, the house is believed to have been originally designed in 1840 as a boating chalet before taking on its current layout in 1910. Its *meulière* (millstone grit) base still bears witness to this history, which is inextricably linked to the river.

At the tip of the island, the garden creates the property’s most prized landscape. Entirely designed by the owner, it features beds of perennials that mark the changing seasons with an almost continuous display of blooms. Sweetgum trees, magnolias, lilacs, mock-orange shrubs, heritage roses, and bamboo create a dense, structured, and enveloping natural setting. The tallest trees ensure rare privacy for the home, with the Marne River forming the horizon line.

A few steps from the garden lead directly to the water. Existing mooring rings allow for a boat to be docked, while the spot serves as a natural launch point for canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Opening widely onto the garden, the conservatory—spanning nearly 22 m²—is one of the home’s most delightful features. The surrounding greenery is visible from every angle, creating a light-filled space to be enjoyed throughout the seasons.

The living room benefits from dual-aspect windows and a wood-burning stove that adds warmth to the atmosphere. The kitchen, currently a separate room, can either be kept in its present layout or redesigned to create a more contemporary flow connecting it to the reception areas. An additional 8 m² room, featuring a French door opening onto the garden, serves as a study or a flexible space to be adapted as desired. A separate toilet completes this level.

Upstairs, the master bedroom—spanning nearly 22 m²—features four windows facing the garden, the tip of the island, and both riverbanks, allowing light to flow through the room throughout the day.

Two further bedrooms and a bathroom with a toilet make up the rest of the upper floor.

Accessible from the study, the lower level offers nearly 66 m² of floor space dedicated to supplementary household uses. It includes a room of nearly 20 m² with two windows, a shower room, a laundry room, a boiler room, a workshop opening onto the garden, and several storage areas.

The house underwent extensive renovation starting in 2006. The existing conservatory was refurbished in 2007, a wood-burning stove was installed in 2018, and the roof and rainwater drainage systems were completely redone in 2022. More recently, exterior insulation and façade refurbishment have improved comfort while preserving the home’s architectural character.

Living on Île Fanac means leaving your car on the riverbank. A staircase and an elevator provide direct access to the island from the Joinville Bridge. A secure freight lift, reserved for residents, also facilitates the transport of bicycles and cargo bikes.

The municipality provides island residents with a parking area on the quayside, specifically suited for two-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, the owners rent a nearby lock-up garage, the lease for which could potentially be taken over.

An unexpected family home—blending architecture, garden, and a riverside lifestyle—where a sense of escape coexists with immediate access to Paris. RER A Joinville-le-Pont: less than a 10-minute walk
Rue de Paris and shops: in the immediate vicinity
Access to the island: stairs, elevator, and secure freight lift