A panel of judges for Golf Inc has voted Les Bordes Golf Club as one of the best private club renovations in its 25th annual ‘Clubhouse of the Year’ competition.
The best-in-kind award recognises the finest clubhouse renovations from around the globe in private club and public course categories, including new and renovated.
“Excellent project that is beautifully and sensitively renovated for members,” said Mark Melzer, one of three Golf INC. ‘Clubhouse of the Year’ judges and chairman of MDR Architects & Planners. “Masculine features are cleanly detailed, and both the interior and exterior spaces evoke an uncluttered humility, which allows one to enjoy the majestic forest and native landscaping all around.”
Jack Laws, Les Bordes’ director of golf, said: “This honour is deeply appreciated for the painstaking work that went into it,” said “That this resounding praise comes on the heels of our New Course by Gil Hanse debuting to great reception in summer 2021 underscores that our members enjoy first-class facilities, amenities and service throughout.”
The estate is home to the prestigious Les Bordes Golf Club, a private members’ club which aims to deliver the best combined 46 holes of golf in continental Europe – including its second 18-hole layout, the New Course, which was designed by globally acclaimed architect Gil Hanse and opened in July.
Michaelis Boyd Associates designed the clubhouse renovation (Michael Sanders, architect), while Laurent Baffy served as clubhouse contractor.
“The key to bringing personality into a renovation project is balance – our goal was to create contemporary, light-filled spaces but also retain as many original features as possible,” said Sanders. “A clubhouse has always been a space to meet and socialise, but also to unwind and recuperate after a long day. We wanted guests to feel connected to their environment, and for the space to feel like an extension of their day out on the course, so in the bar we installed modern Crittall-style external doors to open up the space and give views towards the grounds, bringing nature and light in.”
Michaelis Boyd Associates designed three parts of the clubhouse: the bar, the restaurant and the private dining area.
In the bar, the Crittall glazing doors provide a wide-open view onto the course, the first tee, lakes and coppices. The industrial feel of the metal and glass complement the weathered stonework and clay roof tiles of the clubhouse – marrying the old and the new together. Original elements such as the limestone flooring and stone fireplace add a sense of grandeur and tradition, while preserving the dramatic high ceilings and exposed beams of the existing building adds to the authenticity of the site.
Creating a luxurious and cosy atmosphere was a prime objective – the interiors are comfortable, deep teal walls accent marble and walnut finishes. Brass-latticed chandeliers dot the space to provide a soft glow by dusk and sculptural interest by day, and an eclectic mix of antique accessories, curated artwork and furniture upholstered in sumptuous velvets and warming leathers create a sense of home away from home. The bar extends onto the terrace, where grey hued limestone and contemporary cast iron-like outdoor furniture evokes the feeling of Parisienne brasseries. White parasols and cleverly place planter boxes provide shade and shelter, allowing patrons to enjoy their natural surroundings.
In the restaurant, the pale limestone flooring, stone-quoined door openings and heavy wooden lintels bring a charming, slightly monastic feel to the dining space. A convivial eight-metre-long bespoke navy leather banquette was placed in the centre of the room, flanked by marble and sawn timber surfaces. Accents of brass add a touch of luxury to the more utilitarian space.
Finally, the clubhouse private dining room was reimagined as a relaxing den, softly lit by wall lights with cloche hoods, strategically placed mirrors and a feature pendant allowing light to bounce in the space.
Phase one of the real estate development – Cour du Baron Residences – features 48 residential dwellings nestled in a secluded wooded area to the south of the site. Michaelis Boyd designed three distinct styles which translate across the two to six-bedroom homes with exterior materials favouring a simple palette, allowing a natural connection between the varied architectural languages. Each property will boast an extensive outdoor area interconnecting with the surrounding woodland, creating an authentic connection with the natural world. Each of the different styles is available in a variety of sizes to suit every individual and their family.
Further transformative plans include the announced partnership with international travel and lifestyle experts Six Senses, for the regeneration of the on-site 19th Century ‘Chateau Bel Air’ into an 88-key boutique hotel and spa, as well as introducing the branded residences throughout the woodland that will be available for private ownership. Also, the creation of a community village square with restaurants, shops, a farmer’s market and outdoor amphitheatre centered around the estate’s 13th century priory.
