Restored Pink Château in Northern France Known as 'Le Petit Versailles'
Set above the Somme River, this extraordinary 18th-century château is nestled on the edge of a charming village in the Somme Valley near Amiens, located just two hours from Paris.
Constructed of pink bricks and white stone and crowned with a Mansard roof, the château is nicknamed "Le Petit Versailles." Its interiors feature sculpted décor and paintings by Jean-Baptiste Huet, a decorator associated with Versailles and a renowned Rococo artist celebrated for his idyllic and pastoral scenes.
The château, spanning approximately 16,145 square feet (1,500 m²), includes 10 bedrooms and a range of exquisitely restored reception rooms that bring the grandeur of the 18th century to life. It was built on the site of a medieval castle and is steeped in romantic history. Known as "The Folly," it was commissioned by a Viscount enamored with Madame Adélaïde, who hoped to win her heart with this architectural marvel.
The estate covers nearly 50 acres (20 hectares) of private land, including a formal French garden, a tranquil pond, and wooded areas. Unique features include hanging greenhouses that descend toward the river and a private mooring on the Somme River. The meticulously renovated outbuildings—including greenhouses, a dovecote, and additional annexes—are listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. The château itself, along with its landscaped grounds, holds full Historic Monument status.
The château’s history is as dramatic as its architecture. During World War II, it was occupied by German forces, who reportedly entered in sidecars and burned doors, windows, and parquet floors, leaving the property in disrepair. Abandoned for 25 years, it was rescued in 1964 by a passionate new owner who undertook a meticulous restoration. Since acquiring the property in the 2000s, the current owners have continued this legacy, restoring both the interiors and the exteriors with great care.
Blending natural beauty with architectural splendor, this sumptuous residence is a remarkable testament to French heritage, romance, and refinement.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
