Luxury hotel holiday La Borde en Sologne Chateau & Spa Loire Valley

La Borde en Sologne Chateau & Spa occupies the Chateau de la Borde and its outbuildings and grounds. It is on the edge of a small village in the Sologne area between the rivers Loir and Cher, a less well-known part of what we term the Loire Valley, but the famous chateaux of Chambord and Cheverny are only about 20 minutes away by car, as is the riverside and cathedral town of Blois on the banks of the River Loire with its former royal castle. The landscape is rural and one of fields, forests and lakes Dating from the mid-17th century, the chateau is surrounded by over one hundred and twenty acres of land, some of it landscaped with English- and French-style gardens, some of it given over to vegetable gardens and the rest is fields and woods. There is also a lake, 1,640-ft long, with a pier that can be enjoyed from the water in a boat for fishing or for pleasure. The current owner, Anabelle Ubald-Bocquet, acquired the chateau from a family member in recent years and set about ‘making luxury affordable in an exceptional setting’ so that the hotel which opened in 2023 maintains its historic roots in the local environment with local tradespeople and artisans supplying the hotel and working on its transformation. Historic features such as mouldings, sculptures, frescoes, woodwork and fireplaces have been preserved. The style of the hotel provides comfort with a contemporary chic whilst respecting the essence of the chateau. The centrepiece of the public rooms is the restaurant, called Mémoire, with 80 covers and open to residents and non-residents alike. Tables are set in three dining rooms with views of the landscaped grounds. It is here that breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, refined and casual in style. The A la Carte menu is short but authentic and reflects local seasonal produce of the chateau itself and its local suppliers. On Sundays the restaurant serves a brunch. The bar and counter are installed in an immense, old family cupboard that is an integral part of the chateau. The thirty five rooms and five suites are spacious, with high ceilings and views of the grounds. Each is unique is furnishings and colour scheme, but classic wooden panelling and parquet floors have been retained. Comfort and authenticity combine to create more home than hotel and family heirlooms, designer pieces and antiques acquired are enhanced by a colourful, bold palette. Fabrics and wallpapers are from Pierre Frey. There are two accessible rooms at the hotel, one a deluxe room and the other a junior suite. A luxurious suite that can sleep up to five people has been created out of the old horse stables. For relaxation there is a spa, gym, outdoor heated adults only swimming pool and gardens. An unusual feature for a chateau-hotel is an outdoor kids’ play area and a kids’ club for up to 7 children aged 4 and over that is held in the summer and school holidays. Activities are organised and it must be pre-booked. There is a second swimming pool for families. La Borde en Sologne offers an enticing stay in this eastern part of the Loire Valley but within easy reach of many cultural and sporting activities as well as food and wine experiences. The average journey time by train from London to Blois is under six hours, so this is a very accessible destination by train, so long as you use a hire-car whilst in France. Likewise, driving time from Calais is about five hours, so also manageable in a day if necessary.