What's New

THE NEW CREATIONS DRAGONFLY EXPERIENCES

Domaine des Etangs is proud to launch new Creations Dragonfly Experiences, which allow guests to discover the knowledge and intricate skill of the craftsmen behind the collection of unique items commissioned and inspired by the estate – Creations Dragonfly. Guests can now enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to artisans of the Charente region including the world-renowned ceramicists of Limoges. Each object included in the Creations Dragonfly collection originates from a tradition that has been nurtured by the passion and talent of these local craftsmen. Creations Dragonfly is committed to respecting the cycles of nature and this is reflected in the time, patience and utmost care that is required for these artisans to create these individual objects. Some creations are limited edition, unique to a particular artisan and to the Domaine des Etangs.

MEET THE ARTISANS OF SOUTH WEST FRANCE

Guests will enjoy insider access to the likes of master weaver Sam Kasten, who they will be able to watch him create a handwoven mohair and silk throw by selecting their own threads, and cabinetmaker Thierry Drevelle of Ateliers Drevelle, a member of the Grands Ateliers de France, who will share insight into the intricate skill required to created their objects and showcase some of their expert craftmanship. In nearby Limoges, guests can learn the craft of pottery as the destination is home to the largest maker and exporter of porcelain Bernardaud – who collaborate with some of the world’s leading artists on exhibitions, as well as the finest restaurants and hotels for their crockery, including Claridge’s in London and Sandy Lane in Barbados. Domaine des Etangs is passionate about showcasing the very best of Southwest France’s produce, including Cognac; the nearby town, which gives its name to one of the world’s best-known types of Brandy – a unique spirit in that it is double-distilled. Established on the Premiers Bois, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois vineyards of the town of Saint-Saturnin in Charente, the family-run Bourgoin Cognac estate crafts a “natural” cognac, devoid of any blending, filtering, colouring or added sugar, and the hotel is proud to have an exclusive partnership with the brand. Guests can visit the estate to learn about the history of the distillation process and enjoy a Cognac tasting with a focus on “Ciel&Terre” cuvee.  Following these inspirational visits, guests can return to the Domaine to see the finished products – a selection of contemporary yet timeless objects, available in the hotel’s boutique as well as online exclusively via The Invisible Collection, ideal for those who wish to recreate some of the Domaine’s magic back at home.

DISCOVER DOMAINE DES ETANGS

Domaine des Etangs was previously a family home and today, the current owner, Garance Primat, who partially grew up on the property, ensured she enlisted the help of expert craftsmen, stonecutters, cabinetmakers, carpenters and gardeners, when transforming the Domaine into a hotel. It was their handiwork and knowledge, that helped to build the enchanting castle and its farmhouses from the land and the surrounding forests.  The Domaine is a converted private home turned boutique hotel situated in 2,500 acres of protected nature-filled countryside comprising forest, grassland and lakes, and houses one of Europe’s largest private collections of art. It is home to six Farmhouse Cottages and a 13^th century chateau with seven rooms and suites as well as a further four suites in a longère. The interiors have been designed by Isabelle Stanislas – designer to the French president Emmanuel Macron, and numerous pieces of contemporary art, from Matisse to Picasso to Ugo Rondinone fill the chateau.  The hotel also comprises a converted former dairy barn turned contemporary exhibition space, transformed by Israeli designer Raphael Navot and a bespoke library which Nicky Dunne of Heywood Hill took 12 months to curate.

Dining is a true highlight at Domaine des Etangs and is a bespoke experience for guests. Guests can enjoy al fresco private picnic lunches and delicious tasting menus in the gourmet restaurant Dyades. The culinary team work closely with the gardeners at the Domaine, deciding what to grow each season with a selection of the food served grown on-site to reduce the journey from earth to table, exploring the rich terroir of the Limousin region. Everything is in tune with the seasons and what the earth is willing to offer.

During a stay guests can bike ride through the expansive surrounding woodlands, take a boat out on the lake, enjoy a game of tennis on the ‘floating’ tennis court, relax in either the indoor or outdoor swimming pool and sample the expert spa located in a working water mill.  The goal throughout the experience at the Domaine, is to draw on and rediscover the innate richness of this surrounding region; land, nature, produce, craftsmanship and history, and to express it in all its forms.

HOW: Rates for the ‘Creations Dragonfly Experiences’ start from 420EUR per night based on two people sharing a room on a B&B basis and includes a guided tour of Domaine’s forests as well as an artisan visit of the guest’s choice with the option to add additional visits and tours. For more informational please visit: https://domainedesetangs.com/en/stays-charente/craftsmanship-stay.html