Ahead of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, October 1, Luxury Defined spotlights a collection of homes with world-class amenities for the sport of kings and equestrian pursuits of all stripes
The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe—Europe’s richest horse race—will take place at ParisLongchamp Racecourse in its time-honored slot: 4:05 p.m. on the first Sunday of October.
It’s a highlight—some say the highlight—of the top-tier Group 1 racing calendar. It’s a turf race run over one mile, three furlongs, and 204 yards for middle-distance equine superstars of both genders from across Europe (mainly France, the UK, and Ireland) but as far afield as Dubai and Japan.
Here at the hippodrome in Paris’s Bois de Boulogne, races are won or lost in the blink of an eye and legends are crowned—among them dual champions Ribot, Trêve, Alleged, and Enable and her six-time-winning champion jockey, Frankie Dettori (set to retire at the end of the season after a three-decade career), all in front of 35,000 suited and booted spectators and a TV audience of millions more.
Ahead of Sunday’s big race, Luxury Defined spotlights a collection of international homes fit for the sport of kings and all manner of equitation.
Gestüt Peterhof lies in the picturesque German village of Perl-Borg on Germany’s Upper Moselle River.
This magnificent 74-acre estate has staged four FEI (International Equestrian Federation) tournaments over the years, including the qualifiers for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Among the Grand Prix dressage horses in residence, in training and at stud, is the Danish Warmblood stallion Sezuan, formerly ridden by German Olympic gold and silver medalist Dorothee Schneider.
Gestüt Peterhof pampers its equine inhabitants with 38 spacious loose boxes arranged in stable wings linked by central grooming areas, wash bays, and a two-story tack room.
The on-site equine wellness facility (with veterinary clinic, rehabilitation and fitness complex) includes an aqua trainer, spa, and an infrared heat cabin. From there, horse and rider can access the 20- by 60-meter indoor and outdoor arenas, lunging ring, and all-weather gallops track.
The clubhouse, owner’s residence, staff and guest houses are situated within a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired piazza.
Surrounding the complex are eight year-round paddocks and 32 pastures, all with secure, safety-conscious plastic fencing.
Circle Creek Farm is a bespoke, 54-acre equestrian estate in the Blue Ridge foothills, and with an asking price of $22 million is the most expensive active residential listing in the state of South Carolina.
Equine residents and caregivers are housed in a deluxe 12-horse barn with a tack room, lounge, full bath, kitchenette, office, and staff apartment. There are three large arenas: one for warming up, one for dressage, and a 200- by 70-foot arena for jumping. The covered ring is irrigated and features a mirrored wall and adjacent storage.
For humans, there’s a stone manor house inspired by the great country houses of the Cotswolds district, a state-designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in south-central England. The 16,000-square-foot residence features thoughtful touches and every amenity a luxury homeowner could want.
The estate, just a short drive from downtown Greenville, is being sold completely turnkey, with all fixtures, furniture, artwork, and equipment included.
Set amid 65 acres of rolling countryside in Ireland’s County Meath, Parsonstown House offers endless opportunities to embrace the equestrian lifestyle.
The centerpiece of the property is a courtyard conversion by award-winning De Blacam and Meagher architects. Within are an ensemble of buildings, including the main residence, two coach houses, a potting shed, a boiler house, and three stables. Adjacent are 12 additional loose boxes, a 10-bay hay shed, and several mixed-use outbuildings and workshops surrounded by paddocks, pastures, and woodland.
The main house provides four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a country kitchen, reception rooms, and two studies. The one-bedroom gate lodge serves as a guest house or rental accommodation. There’s scope for further expansion too, for creative pursuits, hospitality, events, or other enterprises.
The thriving market town of Navan, with its shops, restaurants, and racecourse, is just 13 miles distant. The property is in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, home to such historical sites as Newgrange and the Boyne Valley.
In the village of Roquefort-les-Pins, halfway between Cannes and Monaco, this private, 59-acre gated and wooded domain is devoted to the horse and rider.
The owner’s residence is a stately, dressed stone bastide-style manor. Within are 5,705 square feet of renovated living space with abundant reception rooms, five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and five partial baths, as well as an artist’s studio and a recreation/games room.
Outside, there are terraces, a barbecue area, landscaped gardens and lawns, a heated infinity pool and Jacuzzi, and a pool house.
The equestrian center comprises 42 loose boxes, 14 paddocks, an exercise gallops, a training track, sand arena, tack rooms, and a clubhouse for competitions and events. Two staff houses and outbuildings with feed sheds and equipment storage complete the amenities.
With its scenic hills and woodland views, this tranquil locale is just 7.5 miles from the sea, and 20 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Searching for an equestrian estate? Explore the collection here.
