Les Bordes

A little over 140 km from Paris, 15 minutes from the Chateau de Chambord and near the town of Beaugency, we find the famous Les Bordes – spread over 1400 hectares in the stunning Loire Valley and Sologne Forest. Les Bordes lies in the UNESCO World Heritage region, known for historic castles, medieval towns, vineyards and stunning scenery. The property, founded in 1987 by Baron Marcel Bich, offers leisure and sporting moments in an idyllic setting, blessed with enchanting lakes and unique natural habitats.
If you are looking to get away from it all, this is the ideal place to hide away. Between the tranquillity and premium amenities, there is room for spiritual equilibrium as the hours of the day pass. For members of the exclusively private Les Bordes Golf Club, meanwhile, and golf lovers, the magnificent 46-hole course, including the new 18-hole layout of the New Course, is where time stands still. «The key to bringing personality to a renovation project is balance, our goal was to create contemporary, light-filled spaces while retaining as many original features as possible», reveals Michael Sanders, architect.

The aim is to make guests feel connected with their surroundings; hence garden views, nature and light are the key factors in this renovation. Michaelis Boyd Associates designed three parts: the bar, the restaurant and the private dining area. A highlight of the bar, which extends out to the terrace, are the glass doors, which provide a wide view over the first tee and the lakes. The industrial effect of metal with glass, on weathered stone and clay tiles, reveals a harmony between old and new. Just as the limestone floor and the stone fireplace uphold a feel of tradition. Inside, the walls in teal, marble and walnut, the environments are comfortable. In the restaurant, the light limestone floor, the door openings with stone detailing and the wood result in a charming monastic feel to the dining space. On the other hand, the club’s private dining room, inspired by the historic convent and farm buildings on the property, is the most relaxing space, gently lightened on the wall, with mirrors, a perfect place to share healthy meals and meandering conversations with friends.

There are also 48 residences scattered around the property, including two- to six-bedroom homes, always in connection with the extensive surrounding forest area. Wellness and a healthy lifestyle are also clear to see in this place, as well as a concern for sustainability, when respectfully looking at the untouched landscape. In this place there are natural fishing lakes, hiking and cycling trails, animals, a riding club, among much more.
The presence of Six Senses style will also be part of this project, a partnership already announced, with the restoration of the 19th-century Chateau Bel Air, which will give way to a boutique hotel and spa. In addition to this, the creation of a community village square with restaurants, shops, a farmers’ market and open-air amphitheatre will also be part of the project.
Considered one of the best private club renovations, Les Bordes Golf Club in Saint-Laurent-Nouan, France, is characterised by details in indoor and outdoor spaces, which enables the enjoyment of the majestic forest and surrounding native landscape. «This honour is deeply appreciated for the meticulous work that has been done,»says Jack Laws, golf director at Les Bordes.