Select few vacation like a knight in this 11th-century French chateau

by | Nov 30, 2018 | Art, Culture & Design, Away from the City, Countryside, Europe, Family Holidays, In The News, Romantic Getaways, Villas

To say that the Domaine des Etangs is located in the middle of nowhere is a stretch – the 11th century French chateau is, in actuality, merely a few hours drive south of Paris

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To say that the Domaine des Etangs is located in the middle of nowhere is a stretch – the 11th century French chateau is, in actuality, merely a few hours drive south of Paris – but stepping into its luscious grounds that span over 2,500 acres certainly gives one that feeling of wonder.

Spread across a vast expanse of protected countryside that compromises of forests, grasslands and lakes, the Domaine des Etangs was converted from a private mansion into a hotel, allowing it to maintain a sense of warmth and personality that’s hardly found in other hotels around the world.
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The entrance to Domaine des Etangs

The entrance to Domaine des Etangs

Library

Library

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But don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you: the humble, honey-hued brick walls of Domaine des Etangs belie a Michelin star restaurant, a floating lakeside tennis court, numerous private farm cottages as well as a stunning private art collection that’s been sourced from around the world.
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A living room at Domaine des Etangs

A living room at Domaine des Etangs

A private chalet at Domaine des Etangs

A private chalet at Domaine des Etangs

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Just 29 rooms and suites make up this secluded estate, which includes six luxury farm cottages that come with their own private buildings and spaces, each located in its own area of the grounds. Between ponds, hidden in verdant hollows or perched atop a meadow that stretches towards the horizon, each cottage is a wonderful study of how traditional craftsmanship can blend seamlessly with modern comforts.
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Domaine des Etangs Castle The Attic Playground

Domaine des Etangs Castle The Attic Playground

Domaine des Etangs Farmhouse Cottage Pegase

Domaine des Etangs Farmhouse Cottage Pegase

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The interiors of this fully renovated medieval chateau were designed by Parisian Isabelle Stanislas, who most recently had a hand in redesigning Emmanuel Macron’s reception room at the Elysee Palace – an area that remained untouched and unchanged for the past 300 years.
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Chefs at work

Chefs at work

Exceptional food

Exceptional food

A faun on the grand estate of Domaine des Etangs

A faun on the grand estate of Domaine des Etangs

Domaine des Etangs Enchanting Dining Experience

Domaine des Etangs Enchanting Dining Experience

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There’s centuries of history that the chateau’s walls contain as well: in was originally built as the fief of the knights of Chasteignier de la Roche-Posay in the 11th century, and remained so until its eventual inheritance by a Count almost 700 years later, who recreated it as a family home. It is through this pedigree that the Domaine des Etangs has managed to maintain its inimitable sense of humble charm, warmth, and personality – one that makes its guests feel like they too are noblemen coming home to rest. domainedesetangs.com
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© This article was first published online in Nov 2018 – World Travel Magazine.
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