Alex Eagle, creative director of her London-based eponymous lifestyle brand, took her family on a storybook European escape to Domaine des Etangs, a 13th-century stone château set on 2,500 forested acres in the French countryside. “We live in central London, and we were in need of some fresh air and nature,” she said. Eagle leads a busy life designing her ready-to-wear fashion line known for its fine fabrics and British craftsmanship, as well as her curated selection of jewelry, objets d’art, antiques and British-made furniture and fabric at her Lexington studio.
Tell us about your stay at Domaine des Etangs.
Our holidays in Europe are usually so busy, going from one historical site and cathedral to the next—but at Domaine des Etangs, we were immersed in nature. Our days unfolded organically: we’d go for long walks, play tennis, have a picnic, maybe also horseback ride. There was no rushing to get ready by a certain time and quickly getting in the car. It was so relaxed.
Did you enjoy the cottage accommodations?
We stayed at the Serpentaire Cottage, which had an elevated yet whimsical barn-like feel to it—a very comfortable outpost for our family with a gorgeous view of the pond.
The architecture and design really frame nature well, so it feels very relaxed and low-key even though the service and experience is super luxurious. It was also spacious. Upstairs there were two sitting rooms and a big long table across the wall where we’d all gather around. We were never on top of one another, which meant we spent a lot of time together without it having to be organized. We’d sit around the table to eat and talk, watch the sunset over the pond or pile into the electric cars to do an activity together. Also, the kids had the independence to venture off by themselves, to go pick up sticks or see the cows. At home in Central London, we have to be with them all the time, conscious of their safety, so it was really freeing for all of us.
Describe the dining experience at Domaine des Etangs.
What did you think of the property’s art collection?
What about the amenities?
There was a floating tennis court where we all played. The kids really improved their tennis skills, which was great. It was gorgeous to be on horseback around the estate. It’s a nice activity to do when you first arrive. The girls got massages and facials at the spa, which is a thoughtfully preserved water mill—it is really idyllic. You walk through nature to get there and they give you some tea when you arrive. It is so peaceful.
What do you recommend to pack?
Layering is key. We had sun and rain, so bring a waterproof jacket. The property has a very relaxed feel, so I packed jeans to pair with a cashmere sweater, and a light waterproof padded jacket from my Lavenham collaboration, which is not heavy to pack. Make sure to bring sunglasses and baseball caps for the sun; an outfit for tennis with trainers; cashmere socks; and sneakers or boots for wandering because you will be outside a lot. You don’t need to pack too much variety—you can complement a crisp white shirt, jeans and a leather belt with some red lipstick for the evening. You’re not expected to wear heels and gowns by any means.
Do you have any advice for traveling to the French countryside?
Domaine des Etangs is a really nice place to escape to if you have plan to be in Paris. You can stay in the city for a night or two and then take the train to Domaine des Etangs, which is an easy 2.5-hour ride, for a few nights in the countryside. The French trains are so smart and efficient, and it’s a very scenic ride. It’s also a great place to decompress after the madness of Paris Fashion Week. And it’s still a bit off the beaten track. Friends were asking me where we were because the photos looked so amazing. People are always looking for inspiration.