American hotelier Kevin Wendle – the man behind Mexico’s lauded Hotel Esencia on the Riviera Maya – has purchased the Château de Curzay in western France, an 18th-century castle that he plans to turn into a destination hotel complete with organic farm and equestrian centre. Situated halfway between the Loire Valley and Bordeaux in a quiet corner of France surrounded by fields and forests, the French Baroque style chateau is named after the nearby town of Curzay-sur-Vonne, the latter being the name of the river that runs through the 120-hectare estate.
Over the next two years, the castle will go through a complete renovation before emerging as Hotel Esencia - Château de Curzay in 2022. Wendle’s unique style and eye for detail, evidenced at the original Esencia, which he acquired and remodelled in 2014, will see fresh new interiors inspired by the castle’s history, with modern touches, international influences and plenty of local art and craftsmanship. In addition to the chateau, the sprawling grounds are home to an equestrian centre and secret gardens, and Wendle plans to add a health and wellness centre, organic farm and a network of walking and cycling trails.
The former TV and film producer, who worked on, amongst other things, the hit series The Fresh Prince of Bel Air in the early ’90s, previously owned homes in Paris and Saint Tropez.
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