WHAT'S INCLUDED
EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT, AND MORE.
Boutique en-suite accommodation in the 'fairytale', mid-nineteenth century, Chateau de la Motte Henry
Exclusive access to 27 acres of picturesque grounds, including lakeside deck, walled garden & woodland trail
Inviting social spaces; warming fires, comfortable furnishings & inspiring decor, to relax, read and gather together
Use of our health & fitness facilities, including 25m pool, performance gym, yoga studio and sauna, hot tub, ice plunge & massage room
Two daily bridge sessions, one instructed, one overseen, with tailored tuition for beginner, intermediate & advanced players
The opportunity for social bridge post dinner in the Chateau, as well as use of all our facilities
Nutritious and delicious food and drink tailored to your dietary requirements, including 3 meals per day, and varied snacks & drinks available throughout your stay
An excursion to a local French market and a cheese & wine tasting on-site
bridget rampton
Just after I started learning bridge, around 15 years ago, I decided it was important to teach as many people around me to play, so that I had a lifelong supply of people to play with!
Teaching began as a hobby, whilst I continued to learn, finding an excellent bridge partner who shared my ambition and whom I partner at county level.
With Gabi, I set up Muswell Hill Bridge club during lockdown. It is a thriving, friendly, online club and we have a lot of fun with it.
Outside bridge I have a wide range of interests. I love painting portraits, enjoy social tennis, skiing, hiking, climbing and many other outdoor activities.
Gabi Stones
I started learning bridge when Bridget began teaching her friends how to play. She was determined to spread her love of the game and it worked. Bridge is a wonderful game, it is social, but also provides endless learning and mental stimulation.
Bridget asked me to form a club with her and help her with the teaching. I found I had a knack for explaining some of the first concepts players come across and together we get our players to a good standard where they can enjoy a great game of bridge either socially or competitively.
Outside of bridge I enjoy cycling and swimming and I am an age group triathlete having represented GBR in triathlon and duathlon.
amazing location
Chateau de la Motte Henry is a stunning mid-nineteenth century chateau in the Pays de la Loire, France, owned by Barry & Becky Williams. They founded Group Evolution in 2017, to deliver tailored retreats and experiences to creatives, athletes and wellbeing enthusiasts.
The Chateau has been refurbished to a high standard, with superb grounds and health & fitness facilities added. It is easily accessible from the UK, Continental Europe and the Rest of the World, via plane, train, automobile and ferry. An escape to your new home away from home helps you to uncover your potential, whether you have particular goals, or just wish to relax and have some fun.
something for everyone
Set within 27 acres, the Chateau boasts a woodchip running and walking trail, performance gym, 25-metre swimming pool, and boating lake within its grounds. Recently added, a wood-fired sauna, hot tub and ice plunge overlook the lake. To relax and reenergise there are grand lounges, a stunning library, yoga studio and treatment room within the Chateau itself and woodland paths, secluded viewing spots, lakeside decking and a walled garden outside.
Plenty of space to find some 'me' time, with ample opprtunity to socialise with like-minded indviduals. You need never leave the grounds of the Chateau.
Boutique Accommodation
When you retreat to your room, you'll find spacious but homely accommodation. Hypo-allergenic linens and comfortable mattresses help you recover, whilst the period antiques provide interest and practical purpose, as you are able to catch up with friends in comfort. Bathrooms are indulgent, with roll top baths or showers, many including period features. And some added touches - aromatherapy oils to help you sleep and smokeless fires to enhance the atmosphere and promote relaxation are all available. Updated for modern convenience, whilst remaining true to the Chateau's heritage.
DELICIOUS & NUTRITIOUS FOOD
All meals and snacks are provided on our retreats, with breakfast, a two-course lunch and three-course dinner, lovingly prepared and tailored to your dietary requirements. We ask your preferences well before you visit and prepare food that we know you like, going the extra mile to provide your favourites, where possible.
Our eye-catching meals are designed to support your lifestyle but also to be tasty and excite, using local produce from the Garden of France. Snacks and hot and cold drinks are available for the times in between meals, with homemade cakes and treats accessible when you want.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Everything’s optional, enjoy your time with us.
* Click on each day to see what's on offer. Program will be refined to your needs.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | First Arrivals |
| 14:30 | Welcome & Familiarisation |
| 16:00 | Social Bridge Play |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 18:30 | Drinks Reception |
| 19:30 | Dinner |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Breakfast |
| 09:00 | Bridge |
| 11:15 | Market Excursion |
| 13:30 | Lunch |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 14:30 | Free Time |
| 16:15 | Bridge |
| 18:30 | Cheese & Wine Tasting |
| 19:45 | Dinner |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast |
| 09:30 | Bridge |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 14:00 | Options - Massage & Spa / Riverside Walk or Run |
| 18:00 | Bridge |
| 20:00 | Dinner |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Light Breakfast |
| 08:30 | Optional Social Bridge |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:30 | Brunch / Buffet Lunch |
| 14:00 | Final Departures |
HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS FOOD
LOVINGLY PREPARED
Our nutritionist and chef have designed an eye-catching, delicious menu, founded in local, organic produce. We serve the highest quality, locally sourced organic food to produce an energising and detoxifying menu throughout your stay. Vegetarians and vegans catered for.
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
Berry and chia pot with ground flaxseed
Homemade bircher pot with bio yoghurt and mixed berries
Scrambled eggs with smoked mackerel
Fresh fruit platter
Carrot and pineapple smoothie
Fruit teas and green tea
LUNCH
Salmon and sweet potato fishcakes
Mango salsa
Beetroot, orange and feta salad
Over the Rainbow salad
Nutty superfood salad
Green Salad with lemon dressing
DINNER
Roasted garlic soup
Baked chicken Milanese
Wilted Spinach
Steamed broccoli with orange and ginger sauce
Butternut squash puree
Turmeric and ginger rice pudding
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