PODCAST
CHI WING LO: THE ARTIST WHO TEACHES US HOW TO LIVE AND ALLOWS US TO SELF REFLECT
LISTEN NOW
This historic château-hotel embarks on a new chapter, masterfully blending its rich past with a contemporary focus on well-being, travel, and leisure. Interior architect Chantal Peyrat, drawing inspiration from Jeanne de Rothschild’s forward-thinking spirit and passion for art, architecture, and nature, has orchestrated a transformation that seamlessly merges Belle Époque elegance with a modern aesthetic. Each space within the château tells a story of evolution, reflecting its journey through time while preserving its inherent soul.
The expansive 6-hectare grounds house three distinct historic buildings: the château itself, the Factory, and the Hangar. Together, they offer 119 rooms and suites, a diverse array of dining experiences, a bar, a kids' club, and a comprehensive well-being center featuring a spa, swimming pool, and fitness suite. Beyond leisure, the estate also provides sophisticated coworking and reception areas, catering to a new era of "workation" stays, where productivity meets serene escape.
The heart of the estate, the château, built in 1914, houses 80 rooms, solidifying its status as France's largest château-hotel. Peyrat’s meticulous restoration has breathed new life into original decorations – mouldings, fireplaces, and parquet flooring – recapturing a subtle luxury that had faded with time. These embellished historical elements are juxtaposed with carefully curated contemporary pieces, creating an authentic, warm atmosphere reminiscent of a beloved family home. The design, with its blend of velvet, brocades, brass accents, and antique furniture, celebrates the Belle Époque's botanical and animal themes while incorporating unexpected Art Deco influences, such as striking black and white striped bathrooms. Room 226, Jeanne de Rothschild's former retreat, offers a breathtaking panorama of the terraces, forest, and distant Oise fields, a testament to timeless elegance and whispered memories.
Dining at Jeanne & The Forest is an experience in itself. The Social Club, La Table restaurant, and the Social Bar embody an elegant, lively, and inclusive spirit. Chefs Linda and Nicolas Bisani present French cuisine with subtle Asian influences. The Social Club, bathed in light, provides a relaxed setting for lunch with its carefully chosen furnishings and a spacious 300m² terrace overlooking Italian-style gardens. "Jeanne's buffet" offers a delightful spread from morning to evening, transitioning to the "Comptoir" for casual lunches and weekend dinners. La Table, a dramatic culinary space, showcases refined dishes like French caviar and Saint-Jacques scallops, with bold flavors such as dashi and kumquat with foie gras. The Social Bar, reminiscent of an English members' club, offers classic cocktails and unique creations like "La passion de Jeanne," honoring Jeanne de Rothschild's botanical interests. Weekend tea time, with its trolley service of patisserie delights, evokes cherished childhood memories.
The Factory, a 1970s brutalist outbuilding, has been reimagined as a vibrant creative hub. It houses "Pro Work" rooms designed for professionals and families, blending modern industrial aesthetics with comfortable private workspaces. The Kids Club, a peaceful haven of nature-inspired pastel decor, ensures young guests are pampered. The Work Lounge, a hybrid coworking space near the Kids Club, offers flexibility for focused work. The Health Club, a sanctuary of wellbeing, features a heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam, and a state-of-the-art gym, offering everything from yoga to boxing. Treatments with Codage and Renata França methods ensure ultimate relaxation.
The Hangar, a former chapel, is now dedicated entirely to professional gatherings, a multifunctional space fostering creativity and collaboration. Outdoors, "The Nursery" park, spanning six hectares, is a living canvas inviting reconnection with nature. Guests can explore the Baroque, Cui-Cui, and Enchanted Forests, and the restored Petit Pavillon. Jeanne’s Rose Garden boasts over a hundred varieties, including the local Crème de Chantilly rose. The château’s beehives produce IGP linden honey, used in gastronomic creations and served at breakfast. Even the signature scent, "Le Parfum de Jeanne," and the herbal tea, crafted from garden herbs, pay homage to nature and Jeanne's passion for botanics.
Throughout the year, Jeanne & The Forest offers a rich program of workshops, activities, and events – from herbalism and pottery to outdoor cinemas and candlelit dinners – ensuring every stay is filled with inspiration and authentic moments. This thoughtful revival secures Château de Montvillargenne's place as a timeless sanctuary, a perfect blend of history, luxury, and a new art of living.