Le Barn Hôtel is inspired by an old abandoned barn from the 1950s.
Everything at Le Barn Hôtel is Instagrammable, like an impeccable rural setting to which you can add hashtags such as #hospitality #organicproduct #nature #horses #kidsfriendly #hygge #yoga... until the algorithm drives you crazy with such relaxed beauty. However, its true objective is precisely the opposite, that of disconnect the traveler from the frenetic urban rhythm associated with technology and instantaneity.
"You come to Le Barn to explore the surroundings, to have contact with nature through horses, cycling, hiking, trekking routes, of observing animals in freedom, of gastronomy, of collecting products in the garden so that the hotel staff cooks them... And, above all, you come to enjoy long and informal conversations with friends and families around a table or by the fireplaces", explains Edouard Daehn, a partner at Marugal, the firm that manages it.
The main activity in Le Bar takes place around the table.
THE PROPERTY, THE HOUSE AND THE SURROUNDINGS
This new rural hotel, dedicated to nature and sports lovers, boasts a privileged history and location: it occupies a 19th century country house, on the edge of the Forest of Rambouillet, in a property that once, they say, served as a refuge for the secret love between King Henry IV of France and his mistress Gabriela de Estrées.
Regarding the rehabilitation of Le Barn (which means barn in French), Edouard Daehn explains that it has been maintained the old mill, where the spa and some of the most special rooms are located, with original exposed beams; also La Bergerie, the old main building in which the agricultural activity was managed and which is now occupied by the reception, the bar and the greenhouse in which its two restaurants have been installed.
It should be noted that the buildings where the different rooms are located are inspired by the old barns of the 50's that was in the farm before its transformation into a hotel.
Le Barn is made up of a mill, a converted farmhouse and two buildings inspired by 1950s barns.
THE PROJECT AND THE DECORATION
The architect Christophe Vergnaud, from DPLG, is the one who has developed the project –sustainable and integrated in the environment– and the Be-pôles studio has been in charge of the interior design and the image, which recalls its agricultural past with an atmosphere reminiscent of the 50s and 60s.
"The style of that time, in its most industrial and rural version, is groundbreaking and innovative in France, where a more bourgeois decoration and more refined atmospheres predominate. The idea is to recreate a farm from the 50s, with the charm and honesty of the life of those who worked the fields to get the best out of it", explains Marugal's partner.
The decoration that receives the guest in his country getaway is practical and comfortable and, at the same time, it is seasoned with small nostalgic elements typical of a lively and welcoming place.
Edouard Daehn reminds us that all the rooms have a particular charm, but without a doubt "I would highlight the 111, which in addition to having a number charged with positive energy, is located in the old mill, with beautiful views of the main entrance and also of the back." He also recommends us to book 513, in the old barn and with idyllic views over the lake.
French Hygge at Le Barn Hôtel.
THE GASTRONOMY
Its two restaurants have been installed in the large restored greenhouse of the property, with two different environments: the La Serre glass area and the guest table area, where special moments can be shared around the food and next to the oven.
"Le Barn bases its cuisine on traditional and local gastronomy, very much from the land, from its own orchard, from the seasonal product and very French recipes. As representative dishes we can find creams of vegetables and tubers, made with produce from the garden. Highlights include grilled poultry, autumn stews, river fish and the delicious and typical perdu bread, a traditional French sweet very similar to Spanish torrijas", continues Edouard Daehn.
There are also cooking classes with on-site tastings, canning and seasonal cocktails.
The two hotel restaurants have been located in the greenhouse.
THE ACTIVITIES
Next to Le Barn there are hiking trails and for r_unners_ of all levels, too Marked and forest trails for mountain biking (courtesy of the hotel) or by electric mountain bike (for rent). And five minutes away is the Rochefort-en-Yvelines golf course, with more than 110 hectares and ancient trees.
The hotel has a sauna, hammam, Nordic baths (outdoors) and an Ayurvedic and osteopathic masseur for those looking to take care of themselves and relax after exercise.
The **equestrian activities organized by the Haras de la Cense center deserve special mention: ** with initiation courses for children and adults, walks through the forest and ethology activities (discipline that tries to understand the horse instead of limiting it and in the that the center is pioneering). In fact, Le Barn was born as a result of the alliance between the French-American businessman William Kriegel, founder of this innovative equine school, and the hotel manager Marugal.
"Right now Le Barn is having a lot of success among Parisians who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city to connect with life in the countryside. It has become a 'country club' for families and people of all ages in search of a fresh concept, carefree and free from the formalisms of the capital and refinement", concludes Edouard Daehn.
A walk around the lake? Perhaps along the trails near Le Barn?
Detail of a bathroom in Le Barn, with amenities made with natural products based on eucalyptus.