While we wait, and wait… (2)
How would you like to spend your time at the Château?
It is true, we are still playing the waiting game. A small update presented itself this morning by way of a phone call from our agent. It would appear that the holdup is one of the three siblings that own the property. It can take years to sell a Château due to their size, the amount of renovation work needed, and the general upkeep demands. It takes a special breed of human (totally bonkers) to take on one of these properties. The Château that we have made an offer on has not been on the market very long, four to six months, and the owners were not ready for it sell so quickly. We have been told by the agent that the hold-out sibling is going through the pains of having to let go of something that has been in the family for generations, and I totally understand that.
In the mean time, it is spring in the French countryside and it is Gorgeous! The undulating landscapes are like paintings waiting to be applied to canvases. I am glad I am not an avid photographer, as we would have to stop every five minutes to take a picture - or twenty. As the season has changed I have begun to think about our future business and what types of functions we might want to entertain beyond the obvious. The obvious being welcoming guests to our home away from home to submerge themselves into the beauty of French country living, every detail attended to weddings, or the celebration of a life milestone in a grand way.
We are thinking week-long events throughout the year, each with its own theme. A theme that involves hands-on, or physical actions, or the learning of a new skill. Themes that immerse guests in the French lifestyle, history and culture. Themes that cross the borders into other parts of Europe, or even themes that bring little bits of the US into France. Guests travel to the Château where they will be wrapped in the thematic blanket of incredible experiences, meet and work with an expert in the field, and still have plenty of time to explore, enjoy, and simply kick-back.
Below is a list of some theme concepts that we have been tossing around and we would love your feedback, comments, and support for or against any of them. What we may think is a good idea may not have any appeal whatsoever, and will need to be rethought. Also feel free to toss out other ideas that we may not have thought of so that we can broaden our scope.
I am keeping the descriptions very short so as not to have the conceptual details get in the way of an overall concept. This list will continue to grow as we move forward.
In no particular order…
The wines of Southwestern France. An exploratory week of wines from Languedoc-Roussillon, to Bordeaux.
Winemaking the French way. Need I say more?
Discovering the foods of the Southwestern France. This is an entire week of… eating!
Learning to cook the French way. Hands-on, savory learning experience with a French Chef, or perhaps an American Chef.
The Patisserie. Hands-on, sweet adventure. Baking with a French, or American Pastry Chef.
The canals of France. Spend time floating your boat… through the canals of France.
Cycling through the French countryside for amateurs . Climb aboard and hit the road for a lazy guided cycling tour through the countryside and villages of southwestern France
Cycling through the French countryside for the serious biker. Connections with some serious cycling professionals will allow guests to experience France in a whole new way.
See France from a horses view. Nayyyyyyy! – Horseback riding though the French countryside.
Pétanque, the French, American war! Learn and play the game in the homeland.
Discover French architecture. Learn and visit the history and styles of architecture in France.
Historic structures of southern France. A week of visits to the multitudes of historic monuments that abound in France.
Visits to Châteaux. Visit incredible Châteaux of the south.
Château shopping. Arranged viewings of properties that are actually for sale! You just never know, you might not be able to resist!
French country house shopping. Viewings of small adorable French country houses that are for sale, and at prices that you won’t believe!
Historic interiors of southern France. Explore interior design in the French style.
Gardens and landscapes of southern France. Visit beautiful gardens, learn their secrets.
Floral design the French way. A hands on experience with instructions in French floral design.
Antique shopping in France. Visit antique shops, fairs, and open markets to find those ”you can’t live without treasures”.
Romance writing in France. Spend your time learning the elements of writing and hone your skills in one of the most romantic places in the world.
Paint the French landscapes. Bring out that inner Monet and learn to paint the countryside your way.
And Phillip’s favorite – Knitting in the French style. Complete with a French Grandma!
The holidays in France…
Halloween in a spooky old Château.
Thanksgiving with a French twist.
Christmas at the Château.
Christmas ornament shopping in France and Europe.
Ring in the New Year in France.
Easter, bounce into spring by spending Easter in France.
What are your favorites? Which would you be most interested in? What other concepts would you add? The possibilities are endless, and as we look toward planning and scheduling our first official event calendar, we need your input.