There is something special about walking in crisp spring air, hearing the lyrical twittering of birds and basking in sunshine with woodland stretching for miles in front of you. This is the Les Bordes Estate golf club, a place of such picturesque serenity that even those who are non-golfers will find it hard to leave. Now with the construction of 89 Cour du Baron private residences, there is every reason to linger.
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Loire Valley and a two-hour drive from Paris, Les Bordes was originally the private home of Baron Marcel Bich where he hosted family and friends or the occasional golf event.
After his passing in 1994, Les Bordes was acquired by an investment group led by RoundShield Partners in 2018 and the golf club was formed in 2019. It is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, where entry is only by invitation or a case-by-case evaluation by the membership committee. The two 18-hole courses and one 10-hole par three course includes the heathland-style New Course designed by award-winning golf architect Gil Hanse that was listed in Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World 2021 within a few months of its opening.
The first phase of 21 Cour du Baron residences is already open for sale and slated for move-in by early 2024. So far, 16 homes have been snapped up, mostly by American, French, and British Les Bordes’ members.
The golf estate has Asia on its radar, calling it a “very significant” market, according to Eugenie Ropner, Head of Sales and Marketing. She shared: “We have several ultra-high and high net worth Southeast Asian golf members and expect more over the coming years. We are in discussions with a leading sales agent with extensive coverage of Asia to support our sales team at Les Bordes in growing the interest from this region.”
The three- to seven-bedroom homes are thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape of the Sologne forest on Les Bordes’ 1,400-acre grounds. Architectural firm Michaelis Boyd, known for designing the characterful interiors of private member clubs like Soho House in Los Angeles and Berlin, maximized lush forest views and outdoor living through seamless indoor-outdoor spaces. Vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams evoke the region’s vernacular architecture with pools, terraces and pergolas included in most properties, which measure 176 to 558 square meters in size and are priced from €1.25 to €6.5 million.
The homes will be delivered fully furnished to each buyer, who can choose their preferred architectural style from traditional stone walls and tiled roofs to a contemporary gabled structure inspired by local agricultural buildings. Turn-key packages from 24-hour security and maintenance to laundry and concierge facilities are tentatively priced at €3,500 per year.
New modern luxury homes are a rarity in France especially in the Loire Valley, said Halvorsen. “At Cour du Baron, residents are immersed in the historic culture of the region, while enjoying all the luxuries of a newly built home and a modern-day residential community, for the best of both worlds. This will allow families to be together, holiday for longer periods of time, and truly enjoy the magical experience offered here at Les Bordes.”
Besides golf, the estate provides many activities to occupy even those who rarely tee off. There is horseback riding, cycling, fishing, swimming in the lakes, as well as a playground, a zipline, and a go-kart course for children. In 2026, the Six Senses Loire Valley will open at the historic Chateau Bel Air castle located in the estate. There will be 52 guest suites and villas, 52 residential villas, as well as a Six Senses Spa with a medicinal garden and organic farm.
A social hub at Le Village is in the pipeline, where residents can look forward to facilities like a wine bar and restaurant, a farmer’s market and an art gallery. The current clubhouse for members is already a winner with executive chef Jérôme Voltat going way above the usual club sandwiches and steak frites to serve delicious modern European fare centering around the region’s produce, such as roasted salmon with grilled seasonal vegetables and white asparagus velouté with mushroom ravioli.
Beyond Les Bordes, there are 15 Michelin-starred restaurants within a 40-minute drive, such as the two Michelin-starred Fleur de Loire by chef Christophe Hay. A proud advocate of Loire Valley’s produce, Hay spotlights ingredients like vegetables and wagyu from the restaurant’s farm, Ossetra caviar from Sologne, and fish caught by local fishermen in his degustation menus. Nearby is the region’s largest castle, Chateau de Chambord. Visit on a clear day and stand on the ramparts to contemplate the breathtaking scenery, then take a leisurely cruise on the Loire River in a traditional boat with wine, cheese, and charcuterie. With a world-class green, fine dining restaurants, award-winning vineyards, and glorious nature at one’s doorstep, a Cour du Baron residence is truly the dream country home for bon vivants.
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