Let’s Go – Les Bordes, Loire Valley, Central France

With travel to continental Europe having been halted for more than a year, the pent-up desire to visit there – home to some of Earth’s most exquisite places – is intense. Fortunately, now that the pandemic is significantly diminished, trips have resumed and many superb venues beckon.

The Loire Valley in central France is one such place. For centuries, it has been a favorite destination of the cognoscenti, eager to immerse themselves in a region of France that typifies many of life’s most pleasant things. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage region, the area has it all: from historic chateaux, medieval towns and scenic villages to fine wines, mouth-watering cuisine, and breath-taking landscapes.

When it comes to golf, Les Bordes stands alone. The new owners of Les Bordes have spent two years invigorating new life into the famed region through the historic estate and globally recognized golf club.  The opening of its highly anticipated second 18-hole course will take place in July 2021. Named the New Course, it was created by globally acclaimed golf architect Gil Hanse, who authored world top-100 courses Castle Stuart and Ohoopee Match Club as well as the 2016 Rio Olympic Course. The New Course is Hanse’s first project in continental Europe.

1st Tee New Course

Lauded for his restoration work including two of the next three US Open venues – The Country Club and The Los Angeles Country Club – Hanse has already completed work on an accompanying 10-hole short course at Les Bordes. Named The Wild Piglet, Golf.com immediately placed it in its top-25 par-3 courses in the world.

The recently developed new golf courses join the existing Old Course, to provide members with a diverse yet complementary array of playing options. Commissioned by Baron Marcel Bich in 1987, the Old Course is one of Europe’s premier golf courses. A tree-lined, par-72 course measuring more than 7,000 yards, it weaves through the Sologne Forest, intertwined with a stunning complex of lakes that offer a sublimely serene setting.  Hanse is pleased with his work at Les Bordes, and he thinks the golf club belongs among the best in the world.

“With the two 18-hole golf courses and the amenities that are already in place (and the ones that are coming), I can’t see how Les Bordes won’t be considered one of the finest golfing destinations in Europe or in the world. You have all the cultural attractions around you, you’ve got the food and the wine, the quality of the amenities. It will be an idyllic place to spend time even if you weren’t playing golf, and then to have these two golf courses so different and varied in their challenges and their presentation really runs the full gamut. I don’t know where else in the world you could find that sort of variety.”

As a result of these developments, the global allure of Les Bordes Golf Club is greater than ever. Formed in August 2019, it is accessible to members only and their guests, and includes members of Pine Valley, Merion, Riviera, Sunningdale, Royal St. George’s, LA Country Club, Friar’s Head and Royal Melbourne among the approximately 140 current members. Les Bordes Golf Club is governed separately from the rest of the estate.

7th Hole New Course

Additionally, leading London-based architects Michaelis Boyd have completed a full renovation of the clubhouse and 24 of the 39 member cottages, while work on a new member gym, sports bar, mini-spa and private lounge and games room, including golf simulator, was completed earlier this year.

Les Bordes is blessed with a beautiful site in one of the most stunning and culturally rich areas of France, 90 minutes south of Paris. It is creating the pre-eminent European golf club and a relaxed and fun-filled community for all members of the family – golfers and non-golfers, adults and children alike.

Near-term plans include the announced partnership with Six Senses for the transformation of the on-site 19th century ‘Chateau Bel Air’ into an 88-key luxury hotel and spa, the creation of a community village square with restaurants, shops, a farmer’s market and outdoor amphitheater centered around the estate’s 13th century priory, and a variety of residential homes also designed by Michaelis Boyd, half of which have already been reserved by golf club members prior to a mid-year release to market.

The Loire Valley is much sought-after by prospective buyers seeking to claim a small corner of the region for themselves, and excitement is already high about a new luxury community. Cour du Baron is an intimate residential neighborhood that is being created at the heart of the prestigious Estate.

Les Bordes Home

Les Bordes is offering a capsule collection of homes for purchase with something to suit every taste. Designed by Michaelis Boyd, buyers have the choice of different interior furnishing options created by London-based Morpheus & Co, or they can opt for a unique bespoke design.  In addition, owners will benefit from Les Bordes’ Estate Management Package, which includes 24-hour security, concierge and maintenance, while the selection of ‘à la carte’ options cover everything from landscaping, housekeeping, laundry and childcare.

A soft launch of the phase one residences to existing golf club members has been hugely successful while inquiries from outside the club have been received from around the globe. Roll-out of the second phase of the Cour du Baron project will take place in Fall 2021, with another 48 properties available. Construction is due to begin late this summer and, with the project being meticulously planned, it is expected that anyone buying now will have their property delivered within two years, in time for the summer 2023 season.

Other planned additions include a spa; a village square with shops and restaurants; an equestrian center; an organic farm, an art gallery; and an outdoor amphitheater.

For more information: www.lesbordes.com

www.lesbordesgolfclub.com