THE “CASTLE LIFE” VERSION OF A GOLF COURSE

In 1978, Henri Ferdinand Lavanchy, founding owner of Adia Interim, bought the land and infrastructure within the Bonmont domain, also a Cistercian abbey dating from the 12th century, which he donated to the Canton of Vaud. The company that currently manages the domain is, in fact, in charge of the management of the golf course, the hotel and the campus that hosts sports and cultural activities. Mr. Lavanchy remained the sole owner of the domain and actually resided there until his recent death (January 4^th, 2012). This is an opportunity to pay tribute to a rich and full of generosity character, who knew how to preserve and respect the historical style of his domain, while allowing many club members and visitors to benefit from it.

His passion of the golf brings him thus quite naturally, during the acquisition of the domain, to envisage the creation of a route and a private golf club which will be inaugurated in 1983. The domain proposes installations of training, swimming pool, riding school and tennis club. It is thus a real Country music-club, with a hotel of 18 rooms, in a castle of the 18th the reputation of which exceeded our borders. Bonmont is marked by a sense of the good to receive. That the club was home in the time of the monks or the castle, we are always received there in a most courteous way. And since his origin, the biggest personalities frequent places.

At the beginning of 2016, the domain proceeded to a big blow of chandelier in its hotel accommodation by renovating all the chambers of the castle and by fitting out the appendix The Priory there. In the castle, the nickname of the beautiful set for the close friends (with an access fitness, Wellness and outside swimming pool), eighteen bright double rooms are now available, face the postcard way Lake Geneva, crowned with Mont Blanc by attractive time. They benefit from equipment deserving of one five stars as from a service of the most thoughtful.

Drawn by Don Harradine, the golf course underwent important renovation work in 2003, on the eve of its 20th birthday. Peter Harradine, the son, appointed for these works, so put a new touch in the work of his father. In this frame feudal lord, the route welcomes you with a total length of 6080 meters for one by 71 , in a grand environment with fantastic view over the Lake Léman, thanks to its 550 meter height, and a climate which makes him susceptible to be opened all year long.

The signature hole is n°5, a par 4 of 421 meters (white tee): a very long and straight hole. A fairway wood or a long iron is often needed to reach the green in two shots. Deep green, bunkers on both sides and an out-of –bounds in the back… This hole is a true test for all golfers, irrespective of their level.

Reshaped, improved (the system of watering was completely renovated at the end of 2015), the route goes better and better. His routing reserves to the players a different pleasure on every hole. We rarely have the impression of one already seen; overnight it is necessary to change strategy of approach of flags according to numerous dog-legacies, some being enriched by water obstacles, because a good breeze invited itself in the parts.

When you hear "castle life"… well, this is the charm of this very private Bonmont Golf Club.