OUR
history
Frederic Gubbins of Kilfrussch, born in Clifton (England) in 1817, son of General Gubbins was assigned to India in 1836 where he assumed the functions of Sub-prefect, Prefect and finally Governor of five states of East India.
During an extended leave from his obligations in India, his ship docked briefly in Antwerp, giving him the opportunity to meet Dame Bellonie Créteur, originally from Ellezelles.
They married in 1849 and moved to Benares.
But the Indian climate did not suit the beautiful Bellonia. They then decided to return to Europe and settle in Ellezelles where Mr Gubbins bought a large house which he transformed into this current building.
Known in Ellezelles since 1862, we owe him the Stations of the Cross which still adorn the walls of the Saint-Pierre aux Liens church in Ellezelles. In this town and the surrounding area, Mr Gubbins is known and always referred to as "Mylord". His home is characterized by its period style, its tower, its white walls, its Norman castle appearance and its superb garden. Testimony to the architecture of the last century corrected by the original spirit of an English general.
THE HISTORY OF THE RESTAURANT
In 1981, Jean-Baptiste Thomaes took over a house to transform it into a restaurant. Quickly joined by his brothers and his wife Lisbeth, they made it a reference in the Belgian gastronomic landscape. In 1987, the restaurant obtained its first Michelin star, then a second in 2002, and again in 2010.
Today, Martin and Nuria Simonart are making their contribution to this iconic house.
Nuria and Martin met in 2008 in Cordes-sur-Ciel at Yves Thuriès' Grand Ecuyer (1* Michelin). Together, they pursued their careers in the restaurant industry, accumulating experience in several starred and renowned establishments.
Nuria rose through the ranks of the service to become Maître d'hôtel at the restaurant Le Bateau Ivre in Bourget-du-Lac (2* Michelin) in 2015. Martin, noted for his determination, became second to chef Jean-Pierre Jacob (2* in Courchevel) at 21. After a year at San Degeimbre at L'Air du Temps (2*), Martin returned to Le Bateau Ivre as executive chef for five years.
In 2018, the couple took over the management of the Auberge des Templiers (1*). At 29, Martin became chef and Maître de Maison. He works with local producers to offer authentic and contemporary cuisine, while Nuria puts her career on hold to devote herself to their three children.
In June 2023, a client of the Château du Mylord offered Martin and Nuria to take over the establishment. After reflection, they accepted, seeing this project as the culmination of their career. They collaborated with Lisbeth and Jean-Baptiste Thomaes and their staff, determined to perpetuate the excellence of this institution in the beautiful Collines region.