Château du Petit Chêne in Mazières-en-Gâtine - Photo: DR

In a year of rapid growth and geographic expansion, Younan Properties, Inc. announced its first European acquisition. Younan Properties, an investment and management company specializing in commercial real estate and having real estate in five major states in the United States, acquired in France an early 17th century chateau converted into a hotel and its golf course , and this, in a cash transaction. The sumptuous and historic Château du Petit Chêne is located in Mazières-en-Gâtine, surrounded by a park of 160 wooded acres and ponds. It offers a spectacular 18-hole golf course and a restaurant, with the prospect of the next opening of a four-star hotel service.

The acquisition of Château du Petit Chêne in France was completed earlier this month through a simplified joint stock company wholly owned by Younan Properties, Château-Hôtel le Petit Chêne Golf Resort. The new French holding company is the Grande Maison Younan Collection, SAS, which will be both a holding company and an operating company for all acquisitions and expansions in Europe.

According to Zaya S. Younan, President and CEO of Younan Properties, “We have been studying Europe for four years and have identified a number of unique opportunities in France, which we consider to be the 'emerging economy' of the recent recession in Europe, thanks to its political stability and potential for economic growth. The Château du Petit Chêne is our first acquisition and we have other opportunities in view that will allow us to grow our portfolio of European leisure destinations and create a “prestigious and privileged address” for travelers wishing to spend a holiday luxurious in a magical setting. "

The flagship of the Grande Maison Younan Collection, the Château du Petit Chêne remains a place of recognized historical value in France, being registered on the register of historical monuments. Built by the Viault family in the 1600s, the castle has known only three owners. The most recent owner had planned to convert the Chateau into a luxury boutique hotel, but was forced to abandon the renovation project. Younan intervened to raise the vision of the renovation of the property and its park so that they regain their original beauties and their historical prestige. The renovation of the Château itself includes a careful restoration of its interiors and exterior coverings, with the creation of new luxury hotel suites, and, for the restaurant, which today serves golf users, its restructuring in order to offer a gastronomic service to match the site.

The 18-hole golf course was designed and built by Robert Berthet, designer of 45 international golf courses. The Golf du Petit Chêne, which is open to the public, was expertly designed to fit into the wooded landscape dotted by numerous ponds and includes a 6-hole pitch-and-putt, a 30-station practice, a pro shop and catering rooms and changing rooms. The Golf is managed by Blue Green Saur Group, an international golf course management company, under a 20-year lease on the golf course.

Younan comments “Le Golf du Petit Chêne incorporates the three golf design schools - strategic, criminal and heroic - throughout the course, and often on one and the same hole. Thanks to its 400-year history, the site offers sumptuous views on almost each of its holes, so golfers will have to concentrate on their game so as not to be distracted by the beauty of the place. Like most great golf courses, Golf du Petit Chêne takes what the terrain offers, enriches it and gives the impression that the course has always existed. "

Golf du Petit Chêne in Mazières-en-Gâtine - Photo: DR

Gaëtan Maetz, Director of Operations and Development at Blue Green, says, “Blue Green is pleased with this collaboration, given the significant achievements of Younan Properties. In just two weeks after the acquisition, we saw noticeable improvements throughout the project. The Younan Properties team, from the United States and France, has already completed a number of works that our visitors are talking about. We are delighted to be able to help its French subsidiary to make Golf du Petit Chêne one of the most sought-after golf destinations. Through this collaboration, Blue Green supports the commitment to keep the expectations of its customers at the heart of its concerns and requirements. "

In conclusion, Younan says “We intend to collaborate with the French government at the national and local level to extend our efforts to other projects elsewhere in this wonderful country that is France. We consider ourselves to be custodians of history, and we are honored to have been able to acquire the Château du Petit Chêne and restore it to its past grandeur, while providing it with the modern comforts and luxurious amenities that will allow this property to flourish. exception to welcome future generations ”.