This elegant 18th century former private residence is adjacent to Bordeaux’s famous Cos d’Estournel winery, nestling amid the Médoc vineyards and Gironde Estuary. Originally built for Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, his passion for India remains evident in the sandstone pagodas, impressive carved gateway and elephants guarding the cellars, that feature at this sympathetically converted boutique hotel. Solid oak floors, comfortable velvet sofas, crackling fires, cosy library, original artwork, feature stone and iron staircase and open kitchen, give the property a real and stylish home-from-home feel.
The friendly and attentive staff address guests by name and with just 14 elegantly decorated rooms boasting vintage-inspired furnishings, white walls with subtle vine-inspired colour accents and swish modern comforts, the ambience is intimate and personal. Amenities include climate control, Wi-Fi, TV, Nespresso coffee machine, Dyson hairdryer, robes, and slippers. The rooms are spread across two floors. Choose a Cos Room for an oak barrel-style shower, or a Terrace Cos Room for a private terrace from which to enjoy the stunning vineyard views. For those who enjoy bathing with a view, the first floor Estournel Rooms and Junior Suites feature a freestanding bathtub at the foot of the bed, as well as a curved shower area.
The relaxed restaurant features two warming fireplaces, jewel-coloured velvet chairs and an open kitchen. Serving accomplished and beautifully presented regional dishes from fresh local produce, dining here is a treat. From foie gras, to mushrooms, truffles, asparagus and strawberries, the emphasis is on classic French dishes with a twist. The bar is in the cosy library next to the restaurant and is well-stocked with local and regional wines.
Along with a sun-soaked terrace, the pretty grounds include an 18m heated pool and there’s a newly opened fitness centre with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, along with electric bikes for guests to explore the countryside.
La Maison d’Estournel is in the Haut-Médoc by the Gironde Estuary, close to Bordeaux’s historic vineyards including Cos d’Estournel, Châteaux Pichin Baron and Châteaux Mouton Rothchild. Bordeaux Airport is an hour away by car, while the train station is 90-minutes. Guests can walk to the Cos d’Estournel winery in around 30-minutes.
