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 world!
When we first bought the Chateau in 2020, television cameras were the very last thing on our minds. We came for the space, the rolling countryside, and the dream of building something special that we could share with guests from all over the world. Château Les Villettes wasn’t just a property; it was a leap of faith, a new chapter, and, if I’m honest, a fair amount of hard work wrapped up in a romantic vision.
The Nerves Kicked in
When the production team called, my initial reaction was a mixture of excitement and mild panic.
“Will people see the chaos behind the scenes?” I wondered. Because while Instagram might show sunlit terraces and beautifully dressed tables, the reality of running a château is often paint-splattered jeans, endless to-do lists, and the occasional plumbing emergency.
But after a long chat with the producers, it became clear that this was exactly the story they wanted to tell – a real one!
Filming
They said they were sending a ‘film crew’, and I immediately thought that our home would be filled with cameras, lighting and people. But it’s really just one ‘shooter’, sent at various times to capture different moments at the chateau.
There were a few different camera people that visited, and they were all so lovely. They would follow us around while we did normal day-to-day things – gardening, room changes, cooking dinner, welcoming guests and organising weddings. It was far less scary than I originally feared.
I can’t say I’m a natural in front of the camera – I had so many bloopers, and had to do take after take during interview pieces. But the shooters were all very patient and professional.
Real Life – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
One of the things I love about A New Life in the Sun is that it doesn’t pretend the lifestyle is effortless. Moving abroad and creating a hospitality business is rewarding beyond measure, but it’s also incredibly demanding.
There are early mornings and late nights. There are language hurdles, administrative puzzles, and moments when you question your own sanity for taking on such an adventure. Then there was David’s health issues, which hit us hard, but he has done so well to get where he is today.
But then there are those magical evenings when guests linger over dinner, the garden is glowing in the sunset, and you realise that this is exactly why we did it.
Filming captured both sides – the chaos, the learning, the frustrations… but also the joy, the convivial moments, and the pride.
I hope viewers see that while the dream is real, it’s built on resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn as you go.
Opening Our Doors… Literally
Allowing a television audience into your home is an oddly vulnerable experience. Château Les Villettes is deeply personal to us; every room tells part of our story, every renovation reflects a decision (sometimes debated at length over a glass of wine!).
Yet sharing it felt right – because it is a dream come true.
If our journey encourages even one person to pursue a long-held dream – whether that’s moving abroad, starting a business, or simply making a life change – then it’s been worth stepping outside our comfort zone.
That’s not to say we haven’t had to face our fair share of internet trolls as a result of being featured. I get that it’s part of the process, but it’s amazing how mean people can be when hiding behind their keyboard.
But for every snarky comment, we’ve also received amazing feedback from supporters and past guests – THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our journey.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely – though perhaps with the caveat that you should be prepared for your life to be temporarily turned upside down!
It’s been an incredible experience, not just for the exposure it brings, but for the chance to reflect on our journey. When you’re caught up in the day-to-day running of a business, you rarely stop to look back at everything you’ve achieved.
Filming made us do exactly that.
And we have already had new booking enquiries, so that is a blessing that comes from this kind of thing!
Thank you to Channel 4.
Thank you to our regular Chateau helpers.
Thank you to my ever-patient husband, David.
xx Sharon.