A verdant landscape featuring slopes planted with some of the most famous vineyards in the world, the Médoc stretches languorously along the Gironde estuary, a mere one-hour drive from Bordeaux.
Owner of Château Cos d’Estournel, Michel Reybier has transformed the house of Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, founder of the estate, into a residence dedicated to the joy of relaxing in the heart of nature.
The vibe is relaxed ‘country house’ with an open bistro kitchen producing great menus from local, seasonal produce and welcoming, friendly staff. Perfect for wine lovers and gourmands alike.
The chef trained under Gordon Ramsey and is an absolute delight, interested in sharing his passion for food and his kitchen with guests - a real rarity and very much a part of the experience.
The huge open space on the ground floor is designed like a private residence, where you can move smoothly between the cozy lounge with its spectacular fireplace and the dining room with its large convivial tables, as well as between the library and the kitchen - the latter being freely accessible to those wishing to discover the secrets of the chef at work.
Ignoring the conventional codes of the traditional hotel industry, this is a place dedicated to the art of living in complete simplicity, where guests can even try their hand in the kitchen if the fancy takes them.
The world-renowned, award-winning vineyards of Cos D’Estournel are five minutes away by car or an easy bike ride away (guests are welcome to hop on the complementary electric bicycles provided along with a map).
For a weekend or a short break, La Maison d’Estournel with its 14 elegant and warm rooms welcomes city dwellers looking to unplug - whether as a couple, with family or among friends.
English designer Alex Michaelis has created a decor entirely in tune with the surroundings, where simplicity is the keynote.
Spread over two floors and built around an elegant stone and iron staircase, the 14 rooms and suites are divided into four categories. The entire residence features vintage-style solid oak floors and natural materials such as raw linen or velvet, punctuated by discreet references to the world of the vine.
Discover the wonders of the vegetable garden and chat with the gardener about tomatoes and zucchini. Laze in the sun on the terrace before getting lost in the grounds, where the giant redwood and cedars have seen more than one game of hide and seek.
Between bike rides and golf, picnics in the vineyard and fishing, immersing yourself in the rich and wild terroir of the Médoc region is tinged with a sense of cheerful nostalgia. An authentic change of scenery in a charming residence, offering a forceful reminder that happiness is a fundamentally simple thing.
Here, time suddenly seems to slow down, giving way to a forgotten rhythm within a deliciously calm, unspoiled place. It is an opportunity to indulge in a real urban detox, to renew a health and authentic lifestyle, far from an artifice or need to keep up appearances. Infinitely restful and absolutely necessary to reconnect with oneself and loved ones.
For more information, or to book your own urban detox, get in touch.