GOLF
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ntering through the stone and wrought-iron gates of Terre Blanche, it is clear that this is a special place. Curated gardens border the pathways with clumps of Russian sage replacing lavender, but maintaining the colours of Provence. Like the gardens, the reception area of the hotel uses the Provençal colour palette, reflecting the butter and ochre hues found in the local stone – much of the white stone used throughout the buildings has been carved from the local quarries. The hotel is comprised of 115 deluxe suites and villas mirroring the same colours, with local red clay used to create terra cotta accents. Each habitation is strategically placed to ensure privacy, with extensive balconies overlooking gardens and natural patches of meadow plants. It is designed to reflect the style of the five villages of the Haut-Var that it faces. The surprising aspect is that this is all part of the grand plan of one man. Originally a private estate, Terre Blanche was bought by Sean Connery and then briefly owned by a Swedish retirement company. Plans were in place to develop it as a residential villa estate. The location, nestled between the coast and the mountain villages, and its proximity to Nice airport and the Côte d’Azur, make it an attractive property for such a development. When Dietmar Hopp, an avid golfer, acquired the estate, no development had been undertaken and he reimagined the project. The number of proposed privately owned villas was dramatically reduced. He saw the resort as part of the local environment and recognised the value of maintaining the integrity of its physical and cultural setting. His awareness of the impact on the environment was, and has remained, a central tenet in the development.
Above: An aerial view of Le Château course. Main: 11th hole of Le Château course. FINEANDCOUNTRY.COM
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