Les Bordes real estate - a world-class golf club in the Loire Valley, France.

In France, in the heart of the Loire Valley, there is the Cour du Baron mansion, owned by the Les Bordes estate, where every resident has the opportunity to own a home in one of the most exclusive private golf clubs in the world. Located in a forest in Saint-Laurent-Nouan on a 560-hectare property, this estate is about twice the size of Central Park in New York. Les Bordes is one of the largest private estates in France.

In the United States, private residential communities with top-notch golf courses, spas, and other amenities have existed for a long time, from Sea Island in Georgia to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina and the Yellowstone Club in Montana. However, such clubs did not exist in Europe until Cour du Baron emerged. Newly built luxury homes in France are rare, especially in the Loire Valley, where historic castles, estates, and large manors dominate. Therefore, the opportunity to have a newly constructed home on a private estate with first-class golf and numerous amenities in a desirable location in France is unique, to say the least, especially in the Loire Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cour du Baron is in high demand due to its location in the French countryside and its relative proximity to Paris.

New luxury residential communities

New luxury residential communities have become very popular around the world, and after the pandemic, interest in them has only increased as people have started to prioritize well-being, nature, and the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, which many new projects emphasize, explains Massimiliano Binda, CEO of Les Bordes estate. But what sets Cour du Baron apart from the rest is its location in the desirable French countryside and its relative proximity to Paris, making this area a haven for aristocratic families from the capital for centuries. Just 28 kilometers from Cour du Baron is the Château de Chambord, and within a 40-minute drive from Les Bordes, there are fifteen Michelin-starred restaurants. Les Bordes is accessible from anywhere in the world, including the USA, as Paris is only a 90-minute drive away, and there are two private airports nearby. "Americans have easy access to a unique rich culture and atmosphere that they can't find at home," says Binda. "At Cour du Baron, residents will immerse themselves in the historical culture of the region while enjoying all the benefits of new construction and modern community living, so it's truly the best of both worlds."

Elite estate Les Bordes

The elite estate Les Bordes was created by Baron Marcel Bich in 1987 with the opening of a private golf course known as the Old Course. The golf course, designed by Robert von Hagge, served as the baron's private retreat where he hosted family and friends, as well as amateur and professional competitions. After the baron's death in 1994, many years passed without clear direction. Control of the estate was handed over to partners of the prestigious private investment company RoundShield Partners LLP and several external partners in March 2018. RoundShield Partners manages approximately 3 billion euros in discretionary capital on behalf of pension funds, endowments, foundations, and other institutional investors. The company has extensive experience in real estate and specializes in providing private equity for mid-market properties, infrastructure, hard assets, and financial assets. The new owners revitalized the estate and the world-renowned golf club. The investment company opened a second complex golf course called the New Course, as well as ten holes covering 10 hectares, named Wild Piglet. RoundShield built or renovated auxiliary golf facilities, including a clubhouse and guest cottages, and introduced the residential complex Cour du Baron. In the near future, a Six Senses Loire Valley hotel and Branded Residences, designed by renowned architect Michaelis Boyd, the designer of Soho House, will also be constructed.

Baron's Court

Cour du Baron will consist of 89 single-family homes designed by renowned architect Michaelis Boyd, who is behind the design of Soho House. "They are thoughtfully created with spacious layouts and the possibility of outdoor living to take advantage of the stunning landscape of the Solonge forest," says Binda. Construction has already begun on the first phase of 21 homes, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Eighteen of them were quickly sold to existing members of the Les Bordes golf club, and two more have been reserved, leaving only one available for purchase. In the next phase, 24 more homes will be available for sale, with prices ranging from 1.5 million euros to over 6.5 million euros. The homes will feature spacious layouts with three, four, five, and six bedrooms, and many will have a heated private pool. Owners will also be able to add a plunge pool after construction is completed.

Services and amenities

Homeowners in Les Bordes will have access to various services typically found in a five-star hotel. The concierge service will provide assistance with restocking supplies, organizing travel, booking reservations outside the estate, and much more. The property management program will offer 24-hour security, laundry services, landscaping, childcare, and cleaning. Owners won’t have to worry about their homes when they are not residing in them, as the property management team will take care of everything. Owners will also have the option to participate in a professionally managed rental pool, but they will need to choose one of the decor packages offered by the developer to ensure that each rental has a standard design. Homes will be rented out to golf club members and their families. All buyers of property in Cour du Baron will be required to pay an annual estate management fee. This annual fee will depend on the size of the property, approximately 15-18 euros per square meter, which will also cover the management and operation of the Cour du Baron residential estate (landscaping, property maintenance, infrastructure, amenities, security, and management). Additionally, owners will also be responsible for property taxes and utility bills.

Residents of Los Angeles, A.J. Jain and his wife Mona are under contract to purchase a home in Cour du Baron. They learned about the development from a friend who is a member of the Les Bordes golf club. "Les Bordes Estate is known as one of the most elite golf destinations in all of Europe, if not the world," says Jain. "Having two world-class, top-ranked, impressive golf courses at your fingertips is a dream for any golfer." They were drawn to Les Bordes because it offers an immersion in nature in a safe environment suitable for family vacations. "We fell in love with Les Bordes as a place where our family can relax and recharge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Los Angeles," says Jain, a father of two young children. "The picturesque landscape, friendly wildlife like deer and fawns, and fresh air make it a sanctuary for our family. Our kids can freely explore the surroundings safely. They can walk, run, and bike for miles and participate in a variety of daily activities with other children from around the world." One of Jain's favorite pastimes at Les Bordes is simply relaxing in the clubhouse. "Imagine Yellowstone Club and Soho Farm House in the UK," says Jain, who will use his home in Cour du Baron as a summer residence. "The golf club doesn't feel cramped or sterile like many clubs around the world. There's an authentic atmosphere where you can be yourself. You see young families with children in the clubhouse, not just golfers, and everyone treats each other like family."