Laudonie

The Laudonie estate, gifted to Sieur Debord, a lieutenant of the Bordeaux port, around 1500, became the ancestral home of the Debord-Laudonie family. The family flourished until 1881, driven by their influence in local agriculture, notably in walnuts, truffles, and vineyards. However, the phylloxera epidemic of 1869 devastated the vineyards, leading to a period of change. The estate subsequently passed through a series of inheritances and sales, eventually coming into the possession of the Audy family, who undertook significant renovations and expansions.

The estate’s legacy took a dramatic turn when Jean Michel Audy, the final heir, destroyed the family archives before selling the property in 1954. After passing through multiple owners, Laudonie found a new chapter in 2001 when Belgian entrepreneur Pierre Caron acquired it. Enchanted by its charm, he shared the estate with loved ones. Following his passing in 2005, Fanny and her new husband, Dimitri, took up the mantle, continuing Pierre’s vision and restoring Laudonie to its former grandeur.

After Pierre’s passing, Fanny briefly considered selling Laudonie but ultimately decided to embark on an ambitious renovation of the historic estate. Alongside her new husband, Dimitri, and architect Stephane Boens, she set out to restore and reimagine the property. From 2007 to 2012, the manor underwent a complete transformation: layers of plaster were stripped away to reveal the original stonework, and only the walls and fireplaces remained intact. The interior layout was reconfigured to create six elegant suites, while the bathrooms and kitchen—like those in the towers—were fully redesigned by a Belgian designer.

From 2016 to 2021, attention shifted to the barn, which was converted into an event hall complete with a professional kitchen. This now serves as Fanny’s residence when she isn’t in Belgium.

From 2011 to 2014, the four towers were meticulously renovated, each one transformed into a charming holiday home for two guests. Throughout the restoration, noble and antique materials were used to preserve the estate’s authenticity: reclaimed terracotta tiles from a French château, solid oak floors, and blue stone elements all contribute to the timeless character of the space. The result? A breathtaking revival worthy of the scale and duration of the work.

The renovations spanned several years, giving Fanny ample time to refine her vision for the décor. A fan of contemporary design, she aimed to harmonize the furnishings and decorative elements with the estate’s rich character. Guided by architect Stéphane Boens, Fanny scoured antique shops and flea markets in the region, while also taking advantage of her travels to Belgium and abroad to source unique pieces.

Her efforts resulted in a curated collection of antique furniture, lighting fixtures, decorative objects, and artwork. The final result is an elegant, refined interior that perfectly complements the timeless charm of Laudonie’s original foundations.