When we applied to be on Channel 4’s A New Life in the Sun I didn’t think we’d be accepted. But they confirmed our inclusion quickly, and we began talking to producers shortly afterwards. Just like that, our life at Château Les Villettes was about to be broadcast to the … Read more
Over the last 5 years, we have renovated many of the rooms in the chateau, but it is, of course, an ongoing project. So, how can you support the chateau? A chateau of this size and history has much to discover and much to go wrong, so it is a … Read more
In our efforts to share our journey a bit more, we have started a YouTube channel! We only have a few videos up so far, and Sharon is still getting used to speaking to the camera – but we are excited to share progress with you, and the highs and … Read more
The owners have just celebrated their first anniversary. What a year that was! The château has gone through some amazing changes in one year. Most of the guest bedrooms have been renovated. A change of decor, furnishings and furniture has brought each of them back to their former glory. They … Read more
We had the great privilege of spending the Fête Nationale at le Chateau les Villettes in the company of Sharon and Dave who are the perfect hosts. As evening fell we were royally entertained and taken back to the eighteenth century in an atmosphere that Marie Antoinette would have felt … Read more
After moving into the chateau in early November, I realised I wasn’t so fond of the kitchen. It’s quite a strange shape, with a fireplace, a small sink and a few kitchen cabinets. My husband installed our range master and that’s all we have done so far. I have decided … Read more
While walking through the streets of Paris one warm barmy September afternoon, I stumbled along a little candle boutique named Cire Trudon. The aroma coming from within lured me inside. It stocked the most beautiful candles that I had ever seen. The smells where wonderful it was so hard to decide which … Read more
I’ve been doing some research to discover the history of the chateau and its owners. With limited (but improving!) French it is not an easy task. I was lucky that a member of the Faure family, who lived in the chateau for 66 years, had produced some Bi-annuel booklets. The … Read more
Christmas can be a magical time, even when there is a global pandemic. Christmas in a chateau sounds like the most magical of all. Yes, I managed to wrangle another invitation to the chateau whilst the decorations were still up. I was able to see for myself whether the reality … Read more
From a guest blogger As I drove up the winding track towards the chateau I was excited to see the imposing building come into view. I had seen a number of pictures of the chateau as part of my research, but it is always different, and hopefully better, to see … Read more