In the heart of Charente, France, lies a hidden gem, Domaine des Etangs. This sprawling Estate spans across 1,000 hectares of protected natural landscape, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Located just two hours south of Paris by train, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Domaine offers an ideal starting point for exploring the French countryside, the remarkable natural heritage of Charente, Limousin, and the renowned wineries of Cognac.
The Domaine des Etangs has a history that stretches back to the 11th century, constructed by the knights of Chasteignier de la Roche-Posay, and named after the serene ponds it overlooks. This storybook château lies at the heart of centuries of French heritage. A hidden gem in the portfolio of Auberge Resorts Collection, renowned for their opulent properties around the globe.
The hotel boasts seven bedrooms within the château and multiple cottages throughout the estate, each distinctively crafted to complement the natural surroundings. The main Chateau houses an additional seven rooms and suites, serving both as a lavish abode and a grand display for art, ranging from photographic works to Hermes chairs and creatively repurposed suitcases as drawers by Belgian designer Maarten de Ceulaer.
The rooms offer a harmonious mix of rustic allure and modern sophistication, featuring exposed wooden beams and walls embellished with contemporary art. The bathrooms are expansive, boasting natural stone finishes and complemented by luxurious toiletries.
The Estate’s Dyades restaurant is a gastronomic treasure, serving dishes made from local ingredients that showcase the area’s culinary traditions, complete with an open terrace offering scenic views. Guests can also enjoy meals in the serene glade, have a poolside barbecue at Monade, reserve the private dining room, or dine within the comfort of their farmhouse cottage.
Nestled in an ancient mill, Le Moulin serves as the estate’s wellness sanctuary – a rustic retreat by the water, in tune with nature and the local land. This haven, where the healing forces of the Earth are captured, fosters a profound connection with life’s very essence through its deep historical roots.
Guests can indulge in a variety of activities including cycling, tennis, horse riding, and thermal baths, as well as guided walks with forest wardens to foster a healing connection with nature. Additionally, the facilities feature an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a Turkish bath for guests’ pleasure.
Artwork curated at the on-site gallery, La Laiterie, with its world-class annual exhibitions, contributes to the abundance of hand-selected pieces throughout the hotel. Art is as fundamental as nature in fostering the sense of balance represented by the Domaine’s dragonfly emblem.
Staying at Domaine des Etangs is more than just a hotel experience; it’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in the serenity of nature while enjoying the comforts of luxury living. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking peace, beauty, and a touch of historical grandeur.