Our stay at La Borde

OUR STAY AT
LA BORDE

La Borde manor turret beyond clipped garden topiary

A 17th CENTURY
MANOR TURNED
AWARD WINNING
BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to stay at La Borde, a boutique hotel in the Burgundy region of France. The compound was originally a 17th century Manor that was meticulously restored by Rik and Merieke Klomp. Upon our arrival we were taken back by the authenticity and charm of this secluded and authentic health and wellness retreat.

“TRAVEL IS LIKE AN
ENDLESS UNIVERSITY; YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING. WHAT YOU SEE, FEEL, HEAR, AND EXPERIENCE FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES HELPS BROADEN YOUR MIND AND EXPAND YOUR CREATIVITY.”

- FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

Poolside recliners beneath the manor turret

INTENTION IN EVERY
CORNER OF THE
GROUNDS

The hotel features 5 rooms set within the existing structure, offering a highly authentic architectural experience. Much of the structure is original including the fireplaces, wood beams, exterior stone, and the wells. As you walk through the grounds these architectural elements create a sense of architectural interest no matter where you are.

GARDENS AND A
L’ORANGERIE

Glazed orangery beyond a broad garden lawn

The gardens were experiential, consisting of natural ponds, vegetable gardens used to serve guests, chicken coops, two heli-pads, and a broad range of unique plant species featured throughout. The planning of the site was truly something that we enjoyed the most. The traditional French architecture was spread across multiple wings and sprawled throughout the grounds, each connected by matching stone walls that create serene courtyards connected by gardens.

“WHAT I HAVE TO DO IS TO
LOOK AT THE THINGS
THAT EXIST, TO
UNDERSTAND HOW THEY
WORK, AND THEN TO
IMPROVE THEM.”

- ALVAR AALTO

Geometric hedges surrounding planted garden beds

The landscape design and gardens were integral in supporting the connection between these structures, wrapping guests in a sense of natural beauty and luxury that is irreplaceable. The connection between these elements is felt as soon as you enter the gates of this grand estate.

We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to stay here during their last year of their operations. It is experiences like this that reinforce our belief that one of the most important parts of developing our style as artists is travel. By travelling we not only rest our creative brains, but we also expose ourselves to a unique world of architectural design styles, formats, and details that have been shaped by the centuries.

Climbing plants across a steep-roofed manor facade

Paired views of manor turrets and a stone courtyard

Paired views of garden walls and manor grounds

Paired views of a shaded garden avenue and formal lawns

Red off-road vehicle beneath trained garden trees

Our stay at La Borde